Word
constricted
Phoneticscon·strict·ed, stress on the second syllable
US/kənˈstɹɪktəd/
UK/kənstɹˈɪktɪd/
Definition
adj. made narrower or tighter, so little can pass through. You use it for body parts, clothes, or spaces that feel too tight.
adj. narrowed or tightly compressed so that flow, movement, or expansion is limited. Typically referring to blood vessels, airways, pupils, or enclosed spaces.
Examples
“His chest feels tight and constricted today.”
“After running in cold air, her throat felt constricted and she stopped to catch her breath.”
“The river, constricted by steep canyon walls, quickened into rapids that made navigation dangerous even for experienced kayakers.”
Examples
simple
“His chest feels tight and constricted today.”
contextual
“After running in cold air, her throat felt constricted and she stopped to catch her breath.”
complex
“The river, constricted by steep canyon walls, quickened into rapids that made navigation dangerous even for experienced kayakers.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “constricted” in context.
Verb
01. become constricted
“Without treatment, the airways can become constricted during an asthma attack.”
verb + adj
02. constricted by inflammation
“The bronchi were constricted by inflammation, causing persistent wheezing.”
adj + prep + noun
03. constricted by swelling
“His airway was constricted by swelling after the severe allergic reaction.”
adj + prep + noun
04. feel constricted
“She began to feel constricted in the crowded, windowless basement room.”
verb + adj
Adjective
05. chronically constricted
“Years of smoking had left his airways chronically constricted.”
adv + adj
Noun
06. constricted airway
“The child was rushed to hospital with a severely constricted airway.”
adj + noun
07. constricted chest
“He described a constricted chest, as if his jacket was far too tight.”
adj + noun
08. constricted pupil
“The doctor noted a constricted pupil as a sign of the drug's effect.”
adj + noun
09. constricted throat
“Anxiety can cause the sensation of a constricted throat and breathlessness.”
adj + noun
10. constricted vessel
“Poor circulation results when blood must pass through a constricted vessel.”
adj + noun
11. a severely constricted airway
“The paramedics treated him for a severely constricted airway after the bee sting.”
12. blood flow through constricted vessels
“High blood pressure reduces blood flow through constricted vessels in the heart.”
Usage
Often follows linking verbs such as feel, seem, or become, or appears before nouns for body parts and passages.
Real-World Examples
“Ukraine's military has also complained of speed restrictions to the US satellite internet network Starlink, which constricted its ability to use drones to conduct strikes against Russia.” “Ongoing hostilities between the United States and Iran have constricted output with more than 10 million barrels per day in production remaining offline and Persian Gulf oil exports cut in half.” “Key humanitarian air, sea and land routes are being constricted by disruption from the war in the Middle East, delaying life-saving shipments to some of the world's worst crises, 10 aid officials have told Reuters.” Synonyms
Antonyms
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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