Constrict (verb)

1. Make or become tight, narrow, or smaller.
2. Make (a passage or blood vessel) narrower by contracting the walls of the passage or vessel.

Origin:

Late 16th century: from latin constrict- "bound tightly", from the verb constringere, from con- "together" + stringere "to bind".

Examples:

1. The snake constricted its prey before swallowing it whole.
2. His throat constricted as he tried to speak.
3. The cold weather constricted the pipes causing them to freeze.
4. The heat caused the metal to constrict and crack.
5. The tightening of the belt constricted his breathing.