curbing: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to Formal
Quick answer
What does “curbing” mean?
The act or process of controlling, limiting, or restraining something.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act or process of controlling, limiting, or restraining something; also, the stone or concrete edging of a pavement.
Used metaphorically to describe the imposition of restrictions on behaviours, actions, or trends. In its concrete sense, it refers to the physical border separating a sidewalk from a road.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The concrete structure meaning is common in US English. In UK English, 'kerb' (spelt with a 'k') is standard for the physical edge, while 'curb' (with a 'c') is used for restraint. The spelling 'curbing' for the physical object is primarily American.
Connotations
In both varieties, the restraint meaning carries connotations of authority, control, and necessary limitation.
Frequency
In US English, both meanings are frequent. In UK English, the restraint meaning is more frequent than the physical object meaning (for which 'kerb' is used).
Grammar
How to Use “curbing” in a Sentence
curbing of NPNP aimed at curbing NPmeasures for curbing NPVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “curbing” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The council is curbing expenditures on public art.
- New laws aim to curb unhealthy food advertising.
American English
- The mayor is curbing non-essential city hiring.
- The Fed is focused on curbing inflation.
adverb
British English
- [Not a standard adverbial form]
American English
- [Not a standard adverbial form]
adjective
British English
- The curbing effect of the policy was immediate.
- They implemented curbing regulations.
American English
- The curbing force of the new tariff was debated.
- The curbing ordinance was passed last night.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to policies to control spending, inflation, or market excesses.
Academic
Used in social sciences and economics to discuss control of phenomena like population growth or pollution.
Everyday
Often heard in news about government actions to limit problems.
Technical
In civil engineering (US), refers to the installation or repair of pavement edges.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “curbing”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “curbing”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “curbing”
- Using 'curbing' for the physical object in UK English (should be 'kerb'). Confusing 'curbing' (action/object) with 'curb' (the verb or noun).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is primarily the '-ing' form (gerund/participle) of the verb 'to curb', functioning as a noun or adjective. It is rarely used as a pure verb on its own.
'Curb' is the base verb (to restrain) or noun (a restraint or the physical edge). 'Curbing' refers to the *action* of applying a curb (restraint) or, in US English, the physical material/object itself.
In British English, the physical edge is spelt 'kerb'. Therefore, the action is 'curbing inflation', but the stone is 'a kerb' or 'kerbstone'. 'Curbing' for the physical object is an American spelling.
Typically, it is neutral or has a slightly negative connotation (restricting something bad). It can be positive when the thing being limited is harmful, e.g., 'curbing disease spread'.
The act or process of controlling, limiting, or restraining something.
Curbing is usually neutral to formal in register.
Curbing: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɜː.bɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɝː.bɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specific to the gerund/noun form]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a horse being reined in (curbed) at the edge (curb) of the road.
Conceptual Metaphor
RESTRAINT IS HOLDING BACK (like reining in a horse); A LIMIT IS AN EDGE (like a pavement curb).
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is 'curbing' the standard spelling for the stone edge of a pavement?