curb
B2Formal/Neutral
Definition
Meaning
to restrain, control, or limit something.
A physical edge or border, often a stone edging along a pavement or the raised edge of a road; also refers to a type of bit used to control a horse.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a verb, 'curb' implies a deliberate act of restriction, often to prevent something from becoming excessive. As a noun, it typically refers to a physical border, but can also metaphorically mean a restraint.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The noun for the raised edge of a road is spelled 'kerb' in UK English and 'curb' in US English. The verb is always 'curb'.
Connotations
In both varieties, the verb carries the same connotation of control and restraint. The UK 'kerb' is purely a physical object.
Frequency
The noun form (edge of road) is high-frequency in both varieties. The verb form is moderately common, more frequent in formal, economic, or political contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
curb + NP (direct object)attempts/measures to curb + NPcurb + NP + from + V-ing (less common)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “curb your enthusiasm”
- “on the curb (US: waiting, abandoned)”
- “kick to the curb (US: reject/discard)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"The central bank raised interest rates to curb inflation."
Academic
"The study examined policies designed to curb carbon emissions."
Everyday
"She's trying to curb her spending on clothes this month."
Technical
"The engineer designed a new curb inlet for better stormwater management."
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The government introduced new laws to curb anti-social behaviour.
- He placed a lock on the biscuit tin to curb his snacking.
American English
- The Fed is expected to act to curb rising prices.
- She installed an app to curb her social media use.
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial use)
American English
- (No standard adverbial use)
adjective
British English
- (No standard adjectival use)
American English
- (No standard adjectival use)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The teacher asked the children to curb their noise.
- Be careful not to trip on the kerb.
- We need to curb our water usage during the drought.
- He parked his car close to the curb.
- The new policy aims to curb the excessive use of plastic packaging.
- Stricter penalties were introduced to curb speeding offences.
- International sanctions failed to curb the regime's aggressive actions.
- The medication helped to curb the progression of the disease.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CURB on a road – it's a boundary that keeps cars from going onto the pavement. Similarly, to CURB something is to set a boundary to keep it under control.
Conceptual Metaphor
RESTRAINT IS A PHYSICAL BARRIER / CONTROL IS HOLDING BACK.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating 'curb' (verb) as 'сдерживать' in all contexts; 'контролировать' or 'ограничивать' might be more accurate. The noun 'curb/kerb' is 'бордюр', not 'обочина' (shoulder).
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'curb' with 'curve'. Using 'curb' as a noun for the edge of a road in UK English without the 'k' spelling ('kerb').
Practice
Quiz
In UK English, which spelling is correct for the edge of a pavement?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
For the verb meaning 'to restrain', always use 'curb'. For the noun meaning 'the stone edge of a pavement', use 'kerb' in UK English and 'curb' in US English.
Typically not. 'Curb' implies limiting something seen as negative or excessive (inflation, spending, violence). You would not 'curb' progress or creativity.
'Curb' suggests preventing increase or expansion. 'Inhibit' suggests holding back an internal process or impulse. 'Restrain' is more general and can imply physical holding back.
Yes, it means to deliberately moderate your excitement or eagerness about something. It was popularised as the title of a TV series.