constraint

 
Pronunciation: /kənˈstreɪnt/

noun

  • a limitation or restriction: time constraints make it impossible to do everything the availability of water is the main constraint on food production
  • [mass noun] stiffness of manner and inhibition in relations between people: they would be able to talk without constraint

Origin:

late Middle English (in the sense 'coercion'): from Old French constreinte, feminine past participle of constraindre (see constrain)