Straiten
['streɪt(ə)n]
Definition
(verb.) squeeze together.
(verb.) bring into difficulties or distress, especially financial hardship.
Checked by Elisha--From WordNet
Definition
(v. t.) To make strait; to make narrow; hence, to contract; to confine.
(v. t.) To make tense, or tight; to tighten.
(v. t.) To restrict; to distress or embarrass in respect of means or conditions of life; -- used chiefly in the past participle; -- as, a man straitened in his circumstances.
Editor: Pasquale
Synonyms and Synonymous
v. a. [1]. Confine, limit, constrict, contract.[2]. Stretch, straighten, make tight or tense.[3]. Distress, perplex, pinch, embarrass, oppress.
Checked by Desmond
Examples
- He could not refuse, when he knew how straitened were the circumstances of his parents. William Makepeace Thackeray. Vanity Fair.
- My grub-worm is always a straitened, struggling, care-worn tradesman. Charlotte Bronte. Shirley.
- The old maid was too poor to give much, though she straitened herself to privation that she might contribute her mite when needful. Charlotte Bronte. Shirley.
- I think Mr. Murdstone's means were straitened at about this time; but it is little to the purpose. Charles Dickens. David Copperfield.
- You know I cannot do that: straitened on all sides as I am, I have nothing for it but to push on. Charlotte Bronte. Shirley.
- Why, you know, Sir Thomas's means will be rather straitened if the Antigua estate is to make such poor returns. Jane Austen. Mansfield Park.
- Are you aware how small his means are, and of the straitened circumstances of his widow? William Makepeace Thackeray. Vanity Fair.
Typist: Mabel