curb
Translation
to curb, to restrain, to check
Examples
The government is trying to curb inflation.
The government is trying to curb inflation.
You need to curb your enthusiasm.
You need to curb your enthusiasm.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to control or limit (sth.) The new law is intended to curb illegal downloads.
Similar Words
Synonyms: restrain, control, limit; Antonyms: encourage, release
Etymology
From Old French 'courber' (to bend), from Latin 'curvare'. The sense 'restrain' comes from the strap on a horse's bridle that bends its neck.
Memory Tips
Imagine a physical 'curb' (or 'kerb') on the road stopping a car from going further, which helps remember the meaning 'to restrain'.