verb

curb

to restrain, to control, to limit

You must learn to curb your temper.

You must learn to curb your temper.

The government is trying to curb inflation.

The government is trying to curb inflation.

((sth.)) to restrain or control (sth.) The government is trying to curb inflation.

Synonyms: restrain, control, check; Antonyms: encourage, release

From Latin 'curvare' (to bend). The sense of 'restrain' comes from the 'curb' strap on a horse's bridle.

Imagine pulling the 'curb' chain on a horse's bridle to make it stop or slow down.

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.