straiten
/ˈstreɪtən/
verb
- To make narrow or restrict in space or freedom.
- The canyon walls straitened the river into a fast-flowing channel.
- New regulations straitened the company's ability to expand.
- The corset straitened her waist, making it difficult to breathe.
- To cause financial difficulty or hardship (usually used in passive: straitened).
- He lived in straitened circumstances after his business failed.
- The family was straitened by the sudden loss of income.
- Many farmers were straitened during the drought years.