'constraint' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'constraindre,' where 'con-' meant 'together' and 'stringere' meant 'to bind tightly.'

'constraindre' transformed into the Middle English word 'constreinte,' and eventually became the modern English word 'constraint'.

Initially, it meant 'to bind tightly,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'limitation or restriction.'