to draw or press in; cause to contract or shrink; compress.

to slow or stop the natural course or development of

Greed and aggressiveness constricted the nation's cultural life.

verb

expand , free , let go , loosen , open , release

verb

astringe , choke , circumscribe , clench , compress , concentrate , condense , confine , constringe , contract , cramp , curb , draw together , limit , narrow , pinch , restrain , restrict , shrink , squeeze , strangle , strangulate , tauten , tense , tighten , tuck , compact , inhibit , bind , constipate , constrain , grip , hamper