WordGarden.iobridle
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /brˈaɪdəl/
US
- /ˈbraɪdəl/
Meanings
Noun
headgear with reins used to control a horse
something that restrains or keeps something under control
Verb
to put a bridle on a horse or control it with one
to restrain or keep something under control
to react with anger or resentment
Beyond the definition
A bridle isn't just something you put on a horse! It's about control—holding something back from running wild. Think of a spirited steed needing guidance, or even your own emotions when you try to keep them in check. To bridle yourself means to restrain your impulses.
The word comes from an Old English term for a horse's headgear, which evolved to mean "to curb" or "restrain." You might bridle at an unfair request, meaning you react with indignation and resist it. Or a politician might bridle at criticism, becoming defensive. It's about pushing back against something that feels limiting or wrong. A horse's bridle is the literal example, but the idea extends to anything needing guidance or restraint.
To bridle means to control or restrain someone or something, often by checking their impulses or actions. The most familiar image is of a bridle on a horse—the headgear used to steer and guide it. But the word goes far beyond the stable!
You can bridle your emotions, meaning you hold them back from overflowing. For example: "She bridled her anger and calmly explained the situation." It also means to react with indignation or resistance to something considered offensive or unacceptable: "He bridled at the suggestion that he was incompetent." This usage suggests a quick, defensive reaction—much like a horse pulling back on the reins when startled.
Historically, "bridle" referred specifically to the part of the horse's harness used for control. Over time, the verb sense broadened to encompass any form of restraint or resistance. Think about situations where something needs guidance, direction, or simply holding back. A strong personality might need to bridle their enthusiasm; a government might curb spending, and you yourself might bridle at an unfair comment. It's all about control—whether applying it to others or exercising it over oneself. So when you see the word "bridle", remember that image of purposeful guidance… or perhaps a firm pull on the reins!
Examples
- 1
Horse equipment
She checked the bridle before getting on the horse.
- 2
Horse handling
The stable hand bridled the horse and opened the gate.
- 3
Self-control
He tried to bridle his irritation during the meeting.
- Patternbridle + feeling
hold back a strong feeling
- 4
Annoyed reaction
She bridled at the suggestion that she had been careless.
- Patternbridle at + comment/suggestion
react with annoyance to it
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- bridlenounverb
Forms
- bridledpast tenseverbnoun
- bridlespluralnounverb
- bridling-ing formverbnoun