constricting

(verb) squeeze or press together. Synonyms: compress, constrict, squeeze, compact, contract, press. Examples: "She compressed her lips." "The spasm contracted the muscle."

(verb) become tight or as if tight. Synonyms: constrict, constringe, narrow. Example: "Her throat constricted."

(adj) (of circumstances) tending to constrict freedom. Synonyms: constrictive, narrowing.