Definition

1. Noun:

   • A set of straps and fittings by which a horse or other draft animal is fastened to a cart, plow, etc., and is controlled: A piece of equipment, typically made of leather, used to connect an animal to a load or vehicle.
   • An arrangement of straps for securing or supporting something, especially on a person's body: A supportive structure, such as the straps used in a parachute or for safety in climbing.

2. Verb:

   • To put a harness on (an animal): To fit an animal with the straps and fittings so it can pull a load or be controlled.
   • To control and make use of (natural resources or power): To bring under control and direct the force of something for a useful purpose.
   • To keep (a feeling or quality) under control: To restrain or manage something, such as an emotion.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The farmer adjusted the horse's leather harness before plowing the field.
  • The climber checked his safety harness before beginning the ascent.
  • The skydiver's parachute harness was securely fastened.

• Verb:

  • It took twenty minutes to harness the oxen to the wagon.
  • The new dam will harness the river's power to generate electricity for the region.
  • She struggled to harness her anger during the difficult negotiation.

Advanced Usage

• "In harness": Actively engaged in one's regular work or duties.
  • After his vacation, he was back in harness and dealing with emails.
• "Die in harness": To die while still actively working, before retirement.
  • The dedicated teacher died in harness at the age of 68.

Variants and Related Words

• Rein (noun/verb): A long, narrow strap attached to a harness used to guide an animal; to check or guide. (e.g., / )
• Tack (noun): The equipment and accessories (including harnesses) used in horse riding.
• Unharness (verb): To remove a harness from.

Synonyms

• Noun: Tack, gear, straps, equipment.
• Verb: Control, utilize, exploit, channel, yoke, mobilize.

Related Phrasal Verbs / Constructions

• Harness up: To put a harness on an animal or person.
  • We need to harness up the dogs before the sled race.
• Harness something to something: To connect or direct a force for a specific purpose.
  • They harnessed public enthusiasm to the cause of environmental protection.

Related Idioms

• In double harness:
  • Working closely with another person, especially a spouse, in a joint endeavor.

    • The couple worked in double harness to build their business.
  • (Archaic) Being married.
• Get back into harness: To return to one's regular work or routine.
  • After a long illness, she was finally able to get back into harness.

Noun

1. stable gear consisting of an arrangement of leather straps fitted to a draft animal so that it can be attached to and pull a cart
2. a support consisting of an arrangement of straps for holding something to the body (especially one supporting a person suspended from a parachute)

Verb

1. keep in check
   • rule one's temper
2. control and direct with or as if by reins
   • rein a horse
3. exploit the power of
   • harness natural forces and resources
4. put a harness
   • harness the horse