straiten

Husb.—It is very kind in you, my dear, and I must always acknowledge it; but, however, I would not have you straiten yourself too much neither.

From The Complete English Tradesman (1839 ed.) by Daniel Defoe

Cæsar's men daily carried on their works to straiten the enemy; those of Pompey, having the advantage of numbers, did the same to enlarge themselves, and severely galled the enemy by their slingers and archers.

From Pinnock's improved edition of Dr. Goldsmith's History of Rome to which is prefixed an introduction to the study of Roman history, and a great variety of valuable information added throughout the work, on the manners, institutions, and antiquities of the Romans; with numerous biographical and historical notes; and questions for examination at the end of each section. By Wm. C. Taylor. by William Pinnock

No one can wish to straiten his chance of acquittal, or to inquire too curiously whether there be not a pretext for closing the door that now stands ajar.

From William Blake A Critical Essay by Algernon Charles Swinburne

O love immense and independent, which nothing can limit or straiten!

From Spiritual Torrents by Jeanne Marie Bouvier de la Motte Guyon

P: Lodge them where ye dwell, according to your wealth, and harass them not so as to straiten life for them.

From Three Translations of The Koran (Al-Qur'an) side by side by Abdullah Yusuf Ali