rein
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.1rein
noun \ˈrān\Definition of REIN
1
: a strap fastened to a bit by which a rider or driver controls an animal —usually used in plural
2
a : a restraining influence : check <kept a tight rein on the proceedings> b : controlling or guiding power —usually used in plural <the reins of government>
3
: opportunity for unhampered activity or use <gave full rein to her imagination>
See Examples of REIN
- He has people working for him, but he has a tight rein on every part of the process.
- <after the president resigned, the vice president stepped in and took the reins of the company>
Illustration of REIN
Origin of REIN
Middle English reine, from Anglo-French resne, reine, from Vulgar Latin *retina, from Latin retinēre to restrain — more at retain
First Known Use: 14th century
Related to REIN
- Synonyms
- chair, driver's seat, headship, helm, rein(s)
- Antonyms
- impotence, impotency, powerlessness
Rhymes with REIN
ain, Aisne, ane, Bain, bane, blain, brain, cane, chain, crane, deign, drain, fain, fane, feign, gain, grain, Kane, lane, Lane, main, mane, pain, Paine, pane, plain, plane, quean, rain, reign, sain, sane, seine, Seine, skein, Spain, sprain, stain, strain, swain, thane, thegn, train, twain, Twain, vain, vane, vein, wain, wane, Wayne
2rein
verbDefinition of REIN
transitive verb
1
: to control or direct with or as if with reins
2
: to check or stop by or as if by a pull at the reins <reined in her horse> <couldn't rein his impatience>
intransitive verb
1
archaic : to submit to the use of reins
2
: to stop or slow up one's horse or oneself by or as if by pulling the reins
First Known Use of REIN
15th century
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