rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryRoot: con-
Latin

con-

together, with; sometimes thoroughly

Forms

  • con-
  • com- — Used before certain consonants, especially b, p, and m.
  • col- — The final consonant changed before l.
  • cor- — The final consonant changed before r.
  • co- — The final consonant was lost in some combinations.

Origin

From Latin cum, “with,” and an older form com-.

Note

Togetherness could extend to completeness. Not every word containing this prefix retains an obvious “with” meaning.

67 / 108
verb

constrict

kuhn-STRIKT/kənˈstrɪkt/

To make or become tighter, narrower, or more restricted.

The drawstring constricts the opening of the cloth bag as the hands pull.

Hands tighten a drawstring around the mouth of a cloth bag, visibly narrowing opening.
Etymology
conLatintogether, with; sometimes thoroughly
+strictLatindraw tight, bind, or press

The pieces express drawing tightly together, matching the physical sense of squeezing or narrowing. The verb may have been formed from constriction or taken directly from the Latin participle.

In context

Animal Planet34:27
should she make the mistake of a food response and grab Robert and constrict him, then Wes will help to make sure Robert lives.
Robert Irwin Continues His Father's Legacy | Crikey! It's the Irwins | Animal Planet

More examples

  • Your pupils constrict in bright light.
  • The tight collar constricted his neck.
  • Strict budget limits constrict our options for the project.

Forms

constrict · constricts · constricted · constricting

constriction noun — A narrowing, tightening, or limiting of something.

Similar words

tighten
Emphasizes making something firmer or less loose, not necessarily narrower.
narrow
Specifically reduces width or range rather than general tightness.
restrict
Limits movement, activity, or choice without necessarily causing physical narrowing.