View synonyms for curb

curb

[ kurb ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

Also British, kerb. a rim, especially of joined stones or concrete, along a street or roadway, forming an edge for a sidewalk.
anything that restrains or controls; restraint; check.
an enclosing framework or border.
Also called curb bit. a bit used with a bridoon for control of a horse, to which a chain curb chain is hooked.
Also called curb market;. a market, originally on the sidewalk or street, for the sale of securities not listed on a stock exchange. Compare American Stock Exchange.
the framework around the top of a well.
the arris between an upper and a lower slope on a gambrel or mansard roof.
a belt of metal, masonry, etc., for abutting a dome at its base.
(in a windmill) the track on which the cap turns.
Veterinary Pathology. a swelling on the lower part of the back of the hock of a horse, often causing lameness.
Engineering. the cutting edge at the bottom of a caisson.
Carpentry. purlin plate.

verb (used with object)

to control as with a curb; restrain; check.
Synonyms: repress, bridle
Antonyms: encourage
to cause to keep near the curb:
Curb your dog.
Also British, kerb. to furnish with or protect by a curb.
to put a curb on (a horse).

curb

/ kɜːb /

noun

something that restrains or holds back
any enclosing framework, such as a wall of stones around the top of a well
1. Also calledcurb bit a horse's bit with an attached chain or strap, which checks the horse
2. Also calledcurb chain the chain or strap itself
a hard swelling on the hock of a horse

verb

to control with or as if with a curb; restrain

curb

noun

vet science a swelling on the leg of a horse, below the point of the hock, usually caused by a sprain

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Other Word Forms

curb·a·ble adjective
curb·less adjective
curb·like adjective
un·curb verb (used with object)
un·curb·a·ble adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of curb¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English curb, courbe “curved piece of wood” (noun), “stooped, hunchbacked” (adjective), from Anglo-French curb, courb “curved, bowed,” Old French, from Latin curvus “crooked, bent, curved”; curve

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Word History and Origins

Origin of curb¹

C15: from Old French courbe curved piece of wood or metal, from Latin curvus curved

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Synonym Study

See check ¹.

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Some experts think ending the exemption will do little to curb illegal drugs and not address the challenges faced by US manufacturers.

From BBC

His threats to take Greenland are also likely aimed at curbing China's ambitions in the Arctic.

From BBC

The restrictions on the sale of key chips to China, including the most recent move tightening exports from US chip giant Nvidia, for instance, are aimed at curbing Xi's ambitions for tech supremacy.

From BBC

Commissioners have worked together this year on key issues, including curbing robocalls and promoting spectrum-sharing among satellite systems.

From Los Angeles Times

Iran has said it is open to curbs on its nuclear programme in return for sanctions easing but has insisted it will not stop enriching uranium.

From BBC

Related Words

curator curb appeal

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