Growth often begins when pressure starts to reinforce uncomfortable truths we can no longer ignore. Problems that once felt overwhelming may slowly alleviate as we confront them honestly, instead of letting fear constrain our choices. When change feels imminent, every decision matters more, pushing us to pause and scrutinize our actions, motives, and direction. In that careful moment of reflection, we realize that transformation is not sudden—it is built through awareness, courage, and deliberate effort.
To make pain, stress, or a problem less severe.
Examples:
The medicine helped alleviate her headache.
Deep breathing can alleviate anxiety.
To limit or restrict someone or something.
Examples:
Financial issues can constrain personal choices.
Strict rules constrain creativity.
Likely to happen very soon.
Examples:
His resignation seemed imminent.
The warning signaled imminent danger.
To strengthen an idea, feeling, or structure.
Examples:
The teacher used examples to reinforce the lesson.
Praise can reinforce good behavior.
To examine something very carefully and critically.
Examples:
Always scrutinize the details of a contract.
Scientists scrutinize data before drawing conclusions.
