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

The Blanford's bridle serpent was spied above the overhead compartments on the AirAsia Airbus A320 as the plane was preparing to land at Phuket airport. —Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week Uk, theweek, 18 Jan. 2024

There are subtle equestrian touches, too, such as Ralph Lauren stirrup sconces, custom trophy lamps, and custom leatherwork on throw pillows reminiscent of a bridle and reins. —Terry Ward, Travel + Leisure, 27 May 2024

Verb

In a workplace, they’re expected to be helpmeets while also being held up as tokens of acceptance, a dynamic the characters bridle against and use to their advantage. —Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 5 June 2024

But at least one key lawmaker bridled at campaign donations the president made for this month’s GOP primary. —Ian Max Stevenson, Idaho Statesman, 28 May 2024

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