Meaning & Definition of word "Bridle"
Bridle
/ˈbraɪ.dl/
noun:
- 1. A headgear for a horse, consisting of straps and a bit for guiding and controlling the animal.
- Example: She adjusted the bridle before mounting her horse.
- 2. The part of a harness that fits over the horse's head.
- Example: The bridle was made of finely crafted leather.
verb:
- 1. To put a bridle on a horse; to harness or control.
- Example: He bridled the horse carefully to avoid startling it.
- 2. To restrain or control, as in one's emotions or desires.
- Example: She tried to bridle her anger during the meeting.
Etymology
●Middle English 'bridil', from Old English 'bridel', of Germanic origin.
Common Phrases and Expressions
to bridle one's anger:
to control or restrain one's anger
bridled with enthusiasm:
restrained yet visible enthusiasm
Related Words
reining:
the act of controlling a horse using the reins
gleaming:
a bright or shining quality, sometimes used figuratively in riding context
Slang Meanings of bridle
Meaning: To take control of a situation often overshadowed by chaos.
● Example Sentence: He needed to bridle his reckless team before the project went off the rails.
Meaning: To hold back or restrain oneself.
● Example Sentence: She had to bridle her temper during the meeting.