rein

Meaning

Noun

1. A strap or rope attached to a bridle or bit, used to control a horse, animal or young child.
2. (figuratively) An instrument or means of curbing, restraining, or governing.

Verb

1. (transitive) To direct or stop a horse by using reins.
2. (transitive) To restrain; to control; to check.
3. (intransitive) To obey directions given with the reins.

Synonyms

bridle

rein in

restrain

harness

control

curb

bridle rein

rule

draw rein

check

reins

stay

bit

trace

leash

break

head off

hold up

intercept

leading rein

moderate

narrow

obtund

pull

pull up

reindeer

🦌

restraint

snaffle

springer

springing

squelch

stagnate

stall

steer

stifle

still

strap

switch off

thwart

traces

turn off

turn out

hand lever

bring under control

hand grip

impost springer

hand hold

hand knob

stop

🛑

hand shank

Translations

rêne

rienda

Zügel

rédea

briglia

redine

regna

γκέμι

ηνίο

teugel

freno

rênes

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ɹeɪn/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: rein

Cognate with French: rêne

In summary

From Middle English rein, reyne, from Anglo-Norman reyne, resne, from Early Medieval Latin retina, ultimately from Classical Latin retineō (“hold back”), from re- + teneō (“keep, hold”). Compare modern French rêne.
Displaced native Old English brīdel (“bridle, rein”), Old English wealdleþer, ġewealdleþer (“rein, bridle”, literally “control strap”), Old English sāl (“cord, rein”), Old English tiġel (“rein”), and Old English lāttēh, lāttēh (“leash, rein”).