bridle

¹bri·dle

noun \ˈbrī-d^əl\

Definition of BRIDLE

1

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

2

: 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

3

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

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

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

Definition of BRIDLE

transitive verb

1

: to put a bridle on

2

: 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

Examples of BRIDLE

1. <try to bridle your criticism next time so that it is helpful and not hurtful>

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

Related Words

bottle (up), choke (back), hold back, mince, muffle, pocket, repress, sink, smother, squelch, stifle, strangle, suppress, swallow; arrest, interrupt, stop; block, hamper, handcuff, hinder, impede, obstruct; gag, muzzle, silence

Near Antonyms

liberate, loose, loosen, unleash; air, express, take out, vent

See Synonym Discussion at restrain

Rhymes with BRIDLE

bridal, idle, sidle

bri·dle

noun \ˈbrīd-^əl\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of BRIDLE

: frenulum