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curb

curb

22 4.0
A limit on something to stop too much of it
  • noun
  • /kɜrb/
translation icon : freno
  • Curbs on home heating and lighting depress workforce capability; hence, the energy crisis continues.
  • a curb on corruption
  • a curb on power

Examples

  • Australia, Canada, Japan, Norway, South Korea, and the European Union implemented unprecedented curbs on investment in Iran.

    Academic text (2011)
  • To date, much of the battle has focused on the soft-money prohibition and the curbs on advertising.

    Academic text (2002)
  • And the only curb on market power is government.

  • Some hoped that the current atmosphere would permit a similar curb on freedom of religion.

    Academic text (1997)
  • Even so, the JLG proved a powerful curb on Britain.

    Academic text (1999)
  • The use of separation of powers as a curb on arbitrary authority was understood long before 1787.

    Academic text (1993)
  • Requirements included curbs on official favoritism for companies controlled by Suharto's children and close allies, and reductions in subsidies.

    Academic text (2004)
  • The new regulations serve as a curb on excessive emissions from factories, aiming to protect the environment.

  • Implementing curbs on fast food advertisements is essential to promote healthier eating habits among children.

  • The town council decided to introduce curbs on loud music during nighttime to prevent disturbances for residents.

Synonyms

check
vscurb
218 3.4

Something that stops or controls another thing

is mainly used to restrain excess or prevent uncontrolled behavior

Antonyms

A way of behaving without control or limits

Idioms

12 9.4

Suddenly stop seeing or talking to someone

7 8.6

Get rid of someone or something you no longer want

Compounds

curb bit
  • Specialized
9.0

A metal piece in a horse's mouth with a chin chain to help control the horse

curb market
  • Archaic
7.7

A place where people buy and sell stocks not listed on a formal exchange

4.9

An outdoor place on a sidewalk where people sell food and goods

curb roof
  • Specialized
8.8

A roof with two slopes on each side, a steeper lower slope and a gentler upper slope

3.9

Service where staff bring food to customers waiting in their cars at the curb

curb stomp
  • Offensive
9.9

A violent attack in which someone forces another person's head onto a curb and steps on it hard

How Restrained

suppression
57 6.1
curb
22 4.0
restraint
122 4.8
limitation
63 3.5

Surface Forms

curb singular
curbs plural

Etymology

Curb comes from the name of that horse bit that held a horse back, so by extension a curb is any 'limit' or thing that stops too much behaviour or excess. That's why we call rules or actions a curb when they try to keep things under control.