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constrict

[kuhn-strikt] / kənˈstrɪkt /


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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Also, your heart rate spikes, your blood pressure soars, the blood vessels in your extremities constrict to keep warm blood near your core and you begin to gasp involuntarily.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 6, 2026

The team found that this brain region is also linked to nerves that constrict blood vessels, which increases blood pressure.

From Science Daily ● Mar. 22, 2026

But as sanctions and law enforcement actions constrict the flow of these components, supply chain bottlenecks will increase their costs.

From Barron's ● Mar. 17, 2026

Tina explains the appeal comes from the fact that the "cold exposure causes blood vessels to constrict, which can reduce swelling".

From BBC ● Feb. 16, 2026

When the memories came, Ash felt her heart constrict as if she were being bound by ropes so tight she would lose all breath.

From "Ash" by Malinda Lo

The book powerfully constricts as it nears the final appointment, describing a terrible itinerary of last things—David’s last meal, his last change of clothing, his last bit of paperwork.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 1, 2026

Such reactions can range from responses with “no clinical manifestations” to irritating rashes to life-threatening conditions such as anaphylactic shock, which constricts breathing and impairs motor function.

From Salon ● Apr. 4, 2026

They expect Akamai’s core content-delivery business, which centers on moving data across the internet, to transition from a double-digit decliner to generally stable as the industry constricts and traffic trends improve.

From Barron's ● Jan. 12, 2026

The Channel Islands can also act as a “shield” that constricts sound within the Santa Barbara Channel, enabling noise to rattle around more than it would in deeper, more open ocean waters, according to ZoBell.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 5, 2024

My throat constricts, and I feel like there is a hand around it, tightening.

From "Insurgent" by Veronica Roth

The monthslong closure of the Strait of Hormuz has constricted crude flows to Asia, where giant refineries ordinarily transform it into fuel.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 4, 2026

But the combined weight of the Covid pandemic, China's spiralling property slump and constricted borrowing limits for its citizens have sunk those sky-high ambitions, and all but ground the project to a standstill.

From BBC ● Aug. 11, 2026

As the water moves beyond the constricted section, pressure rises and the bubbles violently collapse.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 20, 2026

Physical capacity across the world is constricted by a variety of chokepoints, some natural like Hormuz, some man-made like tariffs.

From MarketWatch ● May 15, 2026

As in Africa, in the Americas the spread of native crops and domestic animals was slowed by constricted skies and environmental barriers.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond

In commodities, the team favors base industrial metals like aluminum, nickel, lead, and zinc, as artificial-intelligence and military buildouts increase demand while reinvestment rates by miners remain low, constricting supply.

From Barron's ● May 13, 2026

With all manner of industries constricting and AI threatening entry-level positions, many people have become delivery drivers, full-time or as an economically necessary side gig.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 14, 2026

Historically low mortgage rates followed by inflation fueled price appreciation and resulted in a lock-in effect for owners that is constricting the supply of homes for sale.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 10, 2026

The album capped a lengthy, constricting record label contract that Charli had been trying to optimize for years, to varying success.

From Salon ● Feb. 8, 2026

The coldness inside of him had moved upward into his throat constricting it.

From "Bridge to Terabithia" by Katherine Paterson


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