plural bridles
: a device that fits on a horse's head and that is used for guiding and controlling the horse
bridles; bridled; bridling
1
: to put a bridle on (a horse)
—sometimes used figuratively
She was forced to bridle her anger.
2
: to react in an angry way
—usually + at
He bridled at their criticism of his methods.
Cite this Entry
“Bridle.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/bridle. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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