bridle

1 of 2

noun

bri·​dle ˈbrī-dᵊl 

1

: the headgear with which a horse is governed and which carries a bit (see bit entry 1 sense 2a) and reins

2

: a length of line or cable attached to two parts of something (such as a ship) to spread the force of a pull

especially : rigging on a kite for attaching line

3

: curb, restraint

set a bridle on his power

bridle

2 of 2

verb

bridled; bridling 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 bridle entry 1 sense 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

Synonyms

Verb

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

Choose the Right Synonym for bridle

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 bridle in a Sentence

Verb

try to bridle your criticism next time so that it is helpful and not hurtful

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Western officials cannot wish this axis away, hoping in vain that the Kremlin bridles at its vassalage to Zhongnanhai or making futile attempts to drive a wedge between the two powers. —Alexander Gabuev, Foreign Affairs, 9 Apr. 2024

Saddles were piled by the door, and bridles hung from the rafters. —Stanley Stewart, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Mar. 2024

Couriers’ duties included fetching patients from cabins, weighing babies, delivering medicine, cleaning saddles and bridles, and escorting any guests who rode the routes between FNS outposts. —Eliza McGraw, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Mar. 2024

Ancient Roman cavalry fittings — parts of a horse bridle, a ring used to hold the reins and four discs from a harness — were also found. —Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 29 Feb. 2024

The interior features Recaro touring seats finished in tobacco bridle leather, with unique rear seats inspired by the Type 928. —Michael Van Runkle, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2024

An exception would be this bridle leather belt from Tory Leather, which sports a gold-tone brass fastening in the shape of a spur. —Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 23 Feb. 2024

Trump trial 'not a political rally': judge Trump’s two civil cases featured judges chiding the former president for speaking out of turn or digressing in his responses, while Trump bridles against restrictions. —Bart Jansen, USA TODAY, 30 Jan. 2024

The object in question was a twelve-foot taxidermy crocodile wearing a saddle and bridle, its long mouth open in an evil grin. —Rachel Monroe, The New Yorker, 9 Nov. 2023

Verb

Few Western leaders seemed to worry that non-Western states might bridle at their norms or perceive the international distribution of power as an unjust remnant of the colonial past. —Comfort Ero, Foreign Affairs, 1 Apr. 2024

Some Republican officials have more recently bridled at this outreach requirement. —Erin Mansfield, USA TODAY, 19 Mar. 2024

Many European governments have increasingly bridled at Beijing’s efforts to use its economic might to silence criticism of its own policies and human rights record. —Ian Johnson, Foreign Affairs, 10 June 2022

During Donald Trump’s presidency, residents bridled at California’s pandemic restrictions, much as Trump did. —Reis Thebault, Washington Post, 2 Mar. 2024

Cabinet ministers bridled at his criticism of their immigration policy. —Mark Landler, New York Times, 22 Dec. 2023

Though some Chinese people may find Xi’s conservative and nationalist values appealing, the segments of the population that do see beyond the firewall, or that have grown accustomed to a more open environment, are likely to bridle. —Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 20 Dec. 2023

But Thaksin’s grip loosened following May’s general election, when his Pheu Thai party was bested by the upstart Move Forward Party, which secured 38% of the vote with its radical agenda to bridle the nation’s military and monarchy. —Charlie Campbell, Time, 22 Aug. 2023

And her son bridled at having to share personal information that Chavez needed in order to apply. —Selene Rivera, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2023

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English bridel, from Old English brīdel; akin to Old English bregdan to move quickly — more at braid

Verb

Middle English bridlen, going back to Old English brīdlian, verbal derivative of brīdel bridle entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing bridle

• bridle path

Kids Definition

bridle

1 of 2 noun

bri·​dle ˈbrīd-ᵊl 

1

: a device for controlling a horse made up of a set of straps enclosing the head, a bit, and a pair of reins

2

: something that works or is used like a bridle

3

: restraint sense 2

set a bridle on his power

bridle

2 of 2 verb

bridled; bridling ˈbrīd-liŋ 

-ᵊl-iŋ

1

: to put a bridle on

2

: to hold back with or as if with a bridle

bridled her anger

3

: to hold the head high and draw in the chin as a show of resentment

bridle at criticism

Medical Definition

bridle

noun

bri·​dle ˈbrīd-ᵊl 

: frenulum