Narrow describes something that is small in width compared to its length, like a narrow street or a narrow doorway. It can also mean limited in amount, range, or understanding, as in a narrow victory or a narrow mind.
From Old English *nearu* “constricted, limited, severe,” related to Old High German *narwa* “scar, constriction.” The sense of physical tightness extended to mental and emotional restriction.
We talk about “narrow spaces” and “narrow minds” for the same reason: both feel squeezed and limited. A narrow win in sports or politics suggests you just barely squeezed through a tight gap. The word quietly connects physical geometry with mental flexibility.
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