Definition of 'bridle'

bridle

(braɪdəl )

Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular present tense bridles , present participle bridling , past tense, past participle bridled

1. countable noun

A bridle is a set of straps that is put around a horse's head and mouth so that the person riding or driving the horse can control it.

Synonyms: rein, curb, control, check More Synonyms of bridle

2. verb

If you bridle, you show that you are angry or offended by moving your head and body upwards in a proud way.

[literary]

She bridled, then simply shook her head. [VERB]

Alex bridled at the shortness of Pamela's tone. [VERB + at]

Synonyms: get angry, draw (yourself) up, bristle, seethe More Synonyms of bridle

More Synonyms of bridle

bridle in British English

(ˈbraɪdəl )

noun

a headgear for a horse, etc, consisting of a series of buckled straps and a metal mouthpiece ( bit) by which the animal is controlled through the reins

something that curbs or restrains; check

a Y-shaped cable, rope, or chain, used for holding, towing, etc

4. machinery

a device by which the motion of a component is limited, often in the form of a linkage or flange

verb

5. (transitive)

to put a bridle on (a horse, mule, etc)

6. (intransitive)

(of a horse) to respond correctly to the pull of the reins

7. (transitive)

to restrain; curb

he bridled his rage

8. (intransitive; often foll by at)

to show anger, scorn, or indignation

Derived forms

bridler (ˈbridler)

noun

Word origin

Old English brigdels; related to bregdan to braid1, Old High German brittil, Middle Low German breidel

bridle in American English

(ˈbraɪdəl )

noun

a head harness for guiding a horse: it consists of headstall, bit, and reins

anything resembling a horse's bridle

anything that controls or restrains

frenum

a connecting metal strip for limiting motion in machinery

6. Nautical

a cable with the ends fast and another cable attached to it between the ends for applying force, as in towing a ship

verb transitiveWord forms: ˈbridled or ˈbridling

to put a bridle on

to curb or control with or as with a bridle

verb intransitive

to pull one's head back quickly with the chin drawn in as an expression of anger, scorn, pride, etc.

10.

to take offense (at)

SIMILAR WORDS: reˈstrain

Word origin

ME & OE bridel < bregdan, move quickly: see braid

bridle in American English

(ˈbraidl) (verb -dled, -dling)

noun

part of the tack or harness of a horse, consisting usually of a headstall, bit, and reins

anything that restrains or curbs

His common sense is a bridle to his quick temper

3. Machinery

a link, flange, or other attachment for limiting the movement of any part of a machine

4. Nautical

a rope or chain secured at both ends to an object to be held, lifted, or towed, and itself held or lifted by a rope or chain secured at its center

a raising up of the head, as in disdain

transitive verb

to put a bridle on

to control or hold back; restrain; curb

intransitive verb

to draw up the head and draw in the chin, as in disdain or resentment

Derived forms

bridleless

adjective

bridler

noun

Word origin

[bef. 900; ME bridel, OE brīdel for brigdels, equiv. to brigd- (var. s. of bregdan to braid1) + -els n. suffix; akin to D breidel, OHG brittel]

Examples of 'bridle' in a sentence
bridle

These examples have been automatically selected and may contain sensitive content. Read more…

Fred would want less of my bit and bridle.It is the other side of a public bridle path and almost overgrown with vicious brambles. First the saddle, then the bridle and the bit.There is also a beautiful park with lakes, bridle paths and a wildlife reserve.You'd think the horse would bridle at being plucked.MANY consultants bridle at the suggestion that they are rarely to be seen in hospitals at weekends.His cloak was of many colours and he rode the land on a white horse, whose bridle shone with silver.It is a sensible precaution to attach little metal discs with your name and telephone number on to your horse's saddle and bridle.I will keep my car off bridle paths if she'll keep her horse off the roads.By this I mean taking your saddle and bridle to pieces so you can give them a really good clean.