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curb

/kɜːb/

noun

Meaning

  • A concrete margin along the edge of a road; a kerb (UK, Australia, New Zealand)

  • A raised margin along the edge of something, such as a well or the eye of a dome, as a strengthening.

  • Something that checks or restrains; a restraint.

  • A riding or driving bit for a horse that has rein action which amplifies the pressure in the mouth by leverage advantage placing pressure on the poll via the crown piece of the bridle and chin groove via a curb chain.

  • A sidewalk, covered or partially enclosed, bordering the airport terminal road system with adjacent paved areas to permit vehicles to off-load or load passengers.

  • A swelling on the back part of the hind leg of a horse, just behind the lowest part of the hock joint, generally causing lameness.

verb

Meaning

  • To check, restrain or control.

    ""Curb your dog.""

  • To rein in.

  • To furnish with a curb, as a well; to restrain by a curb, as a bank of earth.

  • To force to "bite the curb" (hit the pavement curb); see curb stomp.

  • To damage vehicle wheels or tires by running into or over a pavement curb.

  • To bend or curve.

  • To crouch; to cringe.

Synonyms

bow,
flex,
incurvate,
behedge,
curtail,
limit,
bend,
fawn,
stoop,
curb stomp