Definition

1. Noun:

   • A restraint or check: Something that controls or limits something.
   • A raised edge or border: Specifically, the stone or concrete edge of a sidewalk or road.
   • A type of bit for a horse: A chain or strap attached to a horse's bit, used for control.

2. Verb:

   • To restrain or keep in check: To control or limit something, often an emotion, desire, or activity.
   • To force down or suppress: To put an end to something by authority.
   • To lead (a dog) to the curb: To take a dog to the edge of the sidewalk to urinate or defecate.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • He needed a curb on his spending habits. (He needed a limit on his spending.)
  • She tripped on the curb while walking. (She tripped on the raised edge of the sidewalk.)
  • The rider adjusted the horse's curb. (The rider adjusted the chain on the horse's bit.)

• Verb:

  • You must learn to curb your enthusiasm. (You must learn to control your enthusiasm.)
  • The government moved to curb inflation. (The government acted to limit inflation.)
  • Please remember to curb your dog. (Please remember to take your dog to the gutter.)

Advanced Usage

• "to put/keep a curb on": To impose or maintain a restraint on something.
  • The new law puts a curb on industrial pollution. (The new law imposes a limit on industrial pollution.)

Variants and Related Words

• Curbing (n): The material forming a curb, or the act of restraining.
  • The city is replacing the old concrete curbing.
• Curbed (adj): Having been restrained or limited.
  • His curbed ambition surprised everyone.

Synonyms

• Restrain (v): To hold back from action.
• Check (v/n): To stop or slow down; a stop or restraint.
• Suppress (v): To put an end to forcibly.
• Restriction (n): A limiting rule or circumstance.
• Kerb (n): British English spelling for the edge of a sidewalk.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Phrases

• Curb in: This is not a standard phrasal verb. The verb "to curb" is typically used transitively (e.g., curb an impulse).

Related Idioms

• To strain at the curb: To be impatiently held back (an allusion to a horse restrained by its curb bit).
  • The ambitious young executive was straining at the curb for a promotion. (He was impatiently held back, waiting for a promotion.)

Noun

1. the act of restraining power or action or limiting excess
   • his common sense is a bridle to his quick temper
2. a stock exchange in New York
3. a horse's bit with an attached chain or strap to check the horse
4. an edge between a sidewalk and a roadway consisting of a line of curbstones (usually forming part of a gutter)

Verb

1. place restrictions on
   • curtail drinking in school
2. keep to the curb
   • curb your dogs
3. to put down by force or authority
   • suppress a nascent uprising
   • stamp down on littering
   • conquer one's desires
4. lessen the intensity of; temper; hold in restraint; hold or keep within limits
   • moderate your alcohol intake
   • hold your tongue
   • hold your temper
   • control your anger