# curb

/ˈkɝb/ (US) · /kˈɜːb/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/curb
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. to control or limit

verb · CEFR B2

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

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

- The government is introducing new laws to curb plastic waste in the ocean.
- Central banks often raise interest rates in a deliberate attempt to curb inflation and stabilize the national economy.

### 2. edge of the road

noun · CEFR B2 · American English

the stone or concrete edge of a sidewalk or pavement.

For teachers: 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.

Usage: In American English, this spelling is used for both the physical road edge and the figurative restraint.

### 3. a restraint

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

something that stops or limits an action.

For teachers: 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.

### 4. to curb stomp

verb · CEFR C2 · Slang · Vulgar

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

For teachers: 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.

Teaching 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.

## Examples

- He parked his car close to the curb.
- The cyclist hit the curb and lost her balance, but luckily she wasn't hurt.
- Rainwater rushed along the gutter, eventually spilling over the curb and onto the sidewalk during the peak of the summer storm.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.