Meaning

(equestrianism) The headgear with which a horse is directed and which carries a bit and reins..

Definitions by Sense

1. (equestrianism) The headgear with which a horse is directed and which carries a bit and reins.
2. (figurative) A restraint; a curb; a check.
3. A length of line or cable attached to two parts of something to spread the force of a pull, as the rigging on a kite for attaching line.
4. A mooring hawser.
5. A piece in the interior of a gunlock which holds in place the tumbler, sear, etc.
6. A gesture expressing pride or vanity.
7. (transitive) To put a bridle on.
8. (transitive) To check, restrain, or control with, or as if with, a bridle; as in bridle your tongue.

Example Sentences

[…] the horseman, who is the user of bridles and knows their use

Let wisdom put a bridle on them before they are grown head-strong and unruly

He bridled her mouth with a silkweed twist.

Savoy and Nice, the keys of Italy, and the citadel in her hands to bridle Switzerland, are in that consolidation.

Immigrant-rights and religious organizations bridled at the plan to favor highly skilled workers over relatives. (Houston Chronicle, 6/8/2007)

Word Forms

• bridles
• bridling
• bridled

Synonyms for bridle

Related Words

When Should You Use Bridle?

Use bridle when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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