From the M-W Editors
Origin and Etymology of bridle
Middle English bridel, from Old English brīdel; akin to Old English bregdan to move quickly — more at braid
bridle
Definition of bridle
bridled
;bridling
play \ˈbrīd-liŋ, ˈbrī-dəl-iŋ\transitive verb
1 : to put a harness with which a horse is governed on the head of : to put a bridle (see 1bridle 1) on bridle a horse
2 : to restrain, check, or control with or as if with a bridle bridle your tongue was forced to bridle her anger
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 military commanders who had bridled against … interference — Time
Examples of bridle in a Sentence
try to bridle your criticism next time so that it is helpful and not hurtful
Origin and Etymology of bridle
Middle English bridlen, going back to Old English brīdlian, verbal derivative of brīdel 1bridle
Synonym Discussion of bridle
BRIDLE Defined for English Language Learners
bridle
playDefinition of bridle for English Language Learners
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: a device that fits on a horse's head and that is used for guiding and controlling the horse
bridle
Definition of bridle for English Language Learners
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: to put a bridle on (a horse)
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: to react in an angry way
BRIDLE Defined for Kids
Definition of bridle for Students
: a device for controlling a horse made up of a set of straps enclosing the head, a bit, and a pair of reins
Medical Dictionary
Learn More about bridle
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See words that rhyme with bridle Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for bridle Spanish Central: Translation of bridle Nglish: Translation of bridle for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of bridle for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bridle
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