curb

1 of 2

noun

ˈkərb 

plural curbs

1

a

or British kerb : an edging (as of concrete) built along a street to form part of a gutter

They sat on the curb eating their ice cream.

see also kick to the curb

b

[from the fact that it originally transacted its business on the street] : a market for trading in securities not listed on a stock exchange

c

: a raised edge or margin to strengthen or confine

d

: an enclosing frame, border, or edging

2

a

: check, restraint

a price curb

government policies that are designed to put a curb on spending

b

: a bit that exerts severe pressure on a horse's jaws

also : the chain or strap attached to it see bit illustration

curb

2 of 2

verb

curbed; curbing; curbs

transitive verb

1

: to furnish with a curb

2

: to check or control with or as if with a curb

trying to curb her curiosity

3

: to lead (a dog) to a suitable place (such as a gutter) for defecation

Synonyms

Noun

• check
• circumscription
• condition
• constraint
• fetter
• limitation
• restraint
• restriction
• stricture

Verb

• bridle
• check
• constrain
• contain
• control
• govern
• hold
• inhibit
• keep
• measure
• pull in
• regulate
• rein (in)
• restrain
• rule
• tame

Choose the Right Synonym for curb

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

Examples of curb in a Sentence

Noun

We sat on the curb eating our ice cream.

these international regulations act as a curb on the plundering of a nation's archaeological treasures

Verb

The legislation is intended to curb price and wage increases.

pills designed to curb your appetite

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

In Germany, which has long viewed itself as having a unique responsibility to stand up for Jews and Israel because of the Holocaust, officials have repeatedly refused to authorize many pro-Palestinian protests, saying curbs are needed to prevent public disorder and antisemitism. —Kim Hjelmgaard, USA TODAY, 26 Apr. 2024

As Upchurch takes several steps away from the curb and begins to kneel, an officer releases the K-9 on him, the footage shows. —Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 20 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle French courbe curve, curved piece of wood or iron, from courbe curved, from Latin curvus

Verb

derivative of curb entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2b

Verb

1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing curb

• curb appeal
• curb cut
• curb ramp
• curb service
• curb weight
• kick to the curb

Kids Definition

curb

1 of 2 noun

ˈkərb 

1

: a chain or strap on a horse's bit used to control the horse by pressing against the lower jaw

2

: check entry 1 sense 3

price curbs

3

: an enclosing border (as of stone or concrete) often along the edge of a street

curb

2 of 2 verb

1

: to control by or furnish with or as if with a curb

legislation to curb price and wage increases

curb your appetite

2

: to lead (a dog) to a suitable place (as a gutter) for defecation

Medical Definition

curb

noun

ˈkərb 

: a swelling on the back of the hind leg of a horse just behind the lowest part of the hock joint that is due to strain or rupture of the ligament and generally causes lameness