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curb

v. · n.
US //ˈkɝb// UK //kˈɜːb// curb
  1. 1 to control or limit (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to control or limit something that is getting out of hand.

    to restrain or keep in check, particularly regarding undesirable actions or trends. Transitive — requires a direct object.

    Example

    The government is introducing new laws to curb plastic waste in the ocean.

    Example

    Central banks often raise interest rates in a deliberate attempt to curb inflation and stabilize the national economy.
  2. 2 edge of the road (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate American English

    the stone or concrete edge of a sidewalk or pavement.

    the raised edge of a road or sidewalk, typically made of concrete or stone. Spelled 'kerb' in British English.

    Example

    She stepped off the curb and crossed the street when the light turned green.

    Example

    The driver accidentally scraped his expensive alloy wheels against the high concrete curb while trying to parallel park in the narrow space.

    Usage

    In American English, this spelling is used for both the physical road edge and the figurative restraint.
    Pitfall
    He parked his car against the kerb in New York.
    He parked his car against the curb in New York.

    Use the 'curb' spelling in American English; 'kerb' is the standard British spelling for the road edge.

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  1. 3 a restraint (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    something that stops or limits an action.

    a check or restraint on something, often used figuratively.

    Example

    The new rules act as a curb on how much money the department can spend.

    Example

    The constitutional amendment was designed to provide a necessary curb on executive power during times of national crisis.
  2. 4 to curb stomp (v.)
    C2 Proficiency Slang Vulgar

    to hit someone very hard, usually while they are on the ground.

    to assault someone by forcing their mouth onto a road curb and stomping on their head; frequently used figuratively to mean a total defeat.

    Example

    Our team got absolutely curbed in the final match of the season.

    Example

    The incumbent candidate was effectively curbed during the televised debate, losing nearly ten points in the subsequent polls.

    Teacher's tip

    This is a very violent term; in modern slang, it is often used figuratively to describe a one-sided victory in a game or debate.
Origin

From Middle French courbe (“curve, curved object”), from Latin curvus (“bent, crooked, curved”). Doublet of curve.

Idioms4 entries

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