curb

To limit or control something, especially something harmful or excessive.

• We need to curb spending.
• New laws aim to curb air pollution.
• She tried to curb her anger.

Similar words: limit, restrain, control

Opposites: encourage

Common phrases: curb spending, curb inflation, curb your enthusiasm

To damage a vehicle’s wheels or tyres by hitting a raised road edge.

• I curbed a wheel while parking.
• She accidentally curbed her new alloy wheels.
• Have you ever curbed a tyre on this narrow street?

Common phrases: curb a wheel, curb your tyres

To hold back or control a horse using its reins.

• She curbed the horse gently.
• The rider curbed his stallion before the gate.
• He struggled to curb the frightened animal.

Similar words: rein in, restrain

Common phrases: curb a horse, curb a stallion

To put a firm edge around something, such as a well or a raised area of earth.

• They curbed the well with stone.
• The workers curbed the earth bank to hold it in place.
• The builder will curb the opening tomorrow.

Similar words: edge

Common phrases: curb a well, curb an embankment

To force someone’s mouth against a raised road edge and stamp on their head.

• The attacker threatened to curb him.
• The gang tried to curb their victim.
• Witnesses said the man had been curbed.

Similar words: curb-stomp

Common phrases: curb someone violently, threaten to curb

A raised stone or concrete edge between a road and the path beside it.

• He sat on the curb.
• The taxi stopped beside the curb.
• Watch your step as you cross the curb.

Similar words: kerb

Common phrases: at the curb, hit the curb, curb edge