Definition

To make something tighter or narrower, often by squeezing or pulling it together.

Example

The doctor used a special technique to astringe the blood vessels during the surgery.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Have you ever noticed how your muscles astringe after a hard workout?

Yeah, it's like they get tight and harder to move.

I guess that's just your body reacting to the stress.

Exactly! It makes me want to stretch more afterward.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Astringe → It is formed from "ad-" (meaning to) and "stringere" (meaning to bind or draw tight). The word "astringe" means to bind or draw tight, often referring to the action of constricting or tightening tissues.

Memory Tip

Think of 'binding' ('stringere') something 'to' ('ad-') — that's why astringe means to tighten or constrict.

Visually Confused Words