Etymology Explorer › English

Where does “constrict” come from?

Constrict comes from Latin constrictus, the past participle of constringo, formed from the prefix con- (meaning "together") and stringere (meaning "to bind or draw tight").

constrict (English): To narrow, especially by application of pressure;...

Definitions

  1. To narrow, especially by application of pressure;...

Ancestry of “constrict”, step by step

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1Latinconstrictusbound together; tied up; inhibited
2Latinconstringō—
3Latincōn-—
4Latincumwith, along with; at; -fold
5Old LatincomAlternative form of cum
6Proto-Italickomwith, along, at
7Proto-Indo-Europeanḱómbeside, near, by, with
8Proto-Indo-EuropeanḱeDeictic particle, here; Post-positional...
9Middle Englishkyt—
10Germankitt—
11Old High Germankuti—
12Proto-West Germanickwidugum, resin
13Proto-Germanickweduzresin
14Proto-Indo-Europeangʷet-resin, gum; to say, speak
15Proto-Indo-Europeangū-to bend; curve; arch; vault; to bow, bend, arch,...

Words derived from “constrict”

  • constrictive
  • vasoconstrictive
  • bronchoconstrictive
  • reconstrict
  • constricteth
Every word from Proto-Indo-European gū- →