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Definition of "straiten" []

  • To make narrow. (verb-transitive)
  • To enclose in a limited area; confine. (verb-transitive)
  • To put or bring into difficulties or distress, especially financial hardship. (verb-transitive)
  • Archaic To restrict in latitude or scope. (verb-transitive)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "straiten" in a sentence
  • "Religious vision and religious imagination do not straiten but enrich political and ethical discourse, and the religions, precisely because they deal with the ultimate destiny of every man and woman, are called to be a prophetic force for human liberation and development throughout the world, particularly in areas torn by hostility and conflict."
  • "Maybe someone should go after the folks who set up the rules for the Bassmaster Classic and get them to straiten it out."
  • "Please do not get annoyed at my writing, just trying to straiten up some historical facts, no intention of being condescending"