bridle

²bridle

verb

bri·dledbri·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

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See Synonym Discussion at restrain

Rhymes with BRIDLE

bridal, idle, sidle