Definition of constrict

The word "constrict" implies a narrowing or tightening action around something. It originated from the Latin word "constringere," which translates roughly to "draw together" or "contract." The Latin word itself is composed of the prefix "con-," meaning "with" or "together," and the verb "stringere," meaning "to bind" or "to draw tight." In medical terms, the muscle surrounding the internal organs and blood vessels constricts or narrows in response to certain stimuli, such as stress, fear, or pain. This narrowing helps to regulate blood flow, increase blood pressure, and protect the organs' integrity. Conversely, in the context of snakes and other constriction predators, the word "constrict" simply refers to the animals squeezing their prey until it suffocates or goes into a coma. In sum, the Latin root "stringere" and its derivatives provide the basis for words like "constrict" that describe a narrowing, squeezing, or tightening action.