Bridle

/ˈbraɪ.dl/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A headgear for a horse, consisting of straps and a bit for guiding and controlling the animal.
She adjusted the bridle before mounting her horse.
The part of a harness that fits over the horse's head.
The bridle was made of finely crafted leather.
verb
To put a bridle on a horse; to harness or control.
He bridled the horse carefully to avoid startling it.
To restrain or control, as in one's emotions or desires.
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

To take control of a situation often overshadowed by chaos.
He needed to bridle his reckless team before the project went off the rails.
To hold back or restrain oneself.
She had to bridle her temper during the meeting.