¹bridle

noun bri·dle \ˈbrī-d^əl\

: a device that fits on a horse's head and that is used for guiding and controlling the horse

Full Definition of BRIDLE

: the headgear with which a horse is governed and which carries a bit and reins

: a length of line or cable attached to two parts of something to spread the force of a pull; especially : rigging on a kite for attaching line

: curb, restraint <set a bridle on his power>

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Origin of BRIDLE

Middle English bridel, from Old English brīdel; akin to Old English bregdan to move quickly — more at braid

First Known Use: before 12th century

Other Equestrian Terms

canter, cantle, curry, farrier, hunter, paddock, router, skirt, tack

Rhymes with BRIDLE

bridal, idle, idol, idyll, seidel, sidle, tidal

²bridle

verb

: to put a bridle on (a horse)

: to react in an angry way

bri·dledbri·dling \ˈbrīd-liŋ, ˈbrī-d^əl-iŋ\

Full Definition of BRIDLE

transitive verb

: to put a bridle on

: to restrain, check, or control with or as if with a bridle <bridle your tongue>

intransitive verb

: to show hostility or resentment (as to an affront to one's pride or dignity) especially by drawing back the head and chin

See bridle defined for English-language learners

First Known Use of BRIDLE

before 12th century

Related to BRIDLE

Synonyms: control, check, constrain, contain, curb, govern, hold, inhibit, keep, measure, pull in, regulate, rein (in), restrain, rule, tame

Antonyms: lose

Synonym Discussion of BRIDLE

restrain, check, curb, bridle mean to hold back from or control in doing something. restrain suggests holding back by force or persuasion from acting or from going to extremes <restrained themselves from laughing>. check implies restraining or impeding a progress, activity, or impetus <trying to check government spending>. curb suggests an abrupt or drastic checking <learn to curb your appetite>. bridle implies keeping under control by subduing or holding in <bridle an impulse to throw the book down>.