curb

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun American English

n. the stone or concrete edge of a sidewalk or pavement.

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

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

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

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Formal

n. something that stops or limits an action.

n. a check or restraint on something, often used figuratively.

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

“The constitutional amendment was designed to provide a necessary curb on executive power during times of national crisis.”

C2 · Proficiency Slang · Vulgar

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

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

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

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