French Conversation · Level 120
57 words
French word
brider
Pronunciation
IPA/bʁide/
Meaning
- verbrestrain
Example
Il faut brider son enthousiasme.
You have to restrain your enthusiasm.
More examples
Dans une réunion tendue, il a fallu brider les discussions.
In a tense meeting, it was necessary to curb the discussions.
Core concept
A rein held taut by outside pressure, stopping enthusiasm from surging into expression.
Common phrases
brider son enthousiasme
curb his enthusiasm
brider les discussions
curb the discussions
Similar words
contenir: To keep something contained so it does not spread outward.
modérer: To reduce something's intensity to a moderate level.
calmer: To soothe someone's anxiety or excitement.
freiner: To slow movement or momentum and reduce its force.
Definition in French
Restreindre l'expression d'un sentiment ou d'un enthousiasme, souvent sous l'effet d'une intervention extérieure.
Word origin
The figurative sense of brider develops from French bride, a bridle, preserving the image of checking a horse by applying restraint.
Usage tips
- Brider can describe restraint imposed by circumstances or another influence, whereas se brider explicitly presents the subject as restraining itself.
Other meanings
- limitverb
- bridleverb
Opposites
- débriderunleashverb
- libérerfreeverb
Related words
- bridérestrainedadjective