Definition

1. Noun:

   • A piece of equipment used to control a horse: A bridle is the headgear placed on a horse, consisting of a headstall, bit, and reins, which allows a rider or driver to steer and stop the animal.
   • A restraint or check: In a figurative sense, a bridle is something that curbs, controls, or limits power, action, or excess.

2. Verb:

   • To put a bridle on (a horse): The act of fitting a bridle onto a horse's head.
   • To show anger, resentment, or pride, often by drawing back the head: To react with offense or indignation, typically with a stiff, proud, or angry movement of the head and body.
   • To bring under control; to curb or restrain: To check, control, or hold back something, such as emotions or actions.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The rider adjusted the leather bridle before mounting the horse.
  • He needed a bridle for his impulsive spending habits.

• Verb:

  • She learned to bridle her pony with ease.
  • He bridled at the unfair criticism, his face flushing with anger.
  • The government tried to bridle the inflation rate with new policies.

Advanced Usage

• "To give (a horse) the bridle": To allow a horse more freedom by loosening the reins; figuratively, to allow more freedom or less restraint.

  • After a long ride, she gave the horse the bridle and let it walk freely.

• "To bridle one's tongue": To restrain oneself from speaking.

  • He had to bridle his tongue during the heated debate to avoid an argument.

Variants and Related Words

• Unbridled (adj): Not controlled or restrained; uncontrolled.
  • The news caused unbridled joy among the fans.

Synonyms

• Noun (for restraint): Curb, check, restraint, control.
• Verb (to restrain): Curb, check, restrain, control, rein in.
• Verb (to show offense): Take offense, bristle, recoil.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Bridle at: To show sudden anger or indignation in reaction to something.

  • She bridled at the suggestion that her work was inadequate.

• Bridle up: An older form meaning to show anger or pride by an upward movement of the head and body.

  • He bridled up when his authority was questioned.

Related Idioms

• To put a bridle on: To impose control or restraint on something.
  • The new law put a bridle on the company's monopolistic practices.

Noun

1. the act of restraining power or action or limiting excess
   • his common sense is a bridle to his quick temper
2. headgear for a horse; includes a headstall and bit and reins to give the rider or driver control

Verb

1. respond to the reins, as of horses
2. put a bridle on
   • bridle horses
3. anger or take offense
   • She bridled at his suggestion to elope