# curbed

/ˈkɝbd/ (US) · /kˈɜːbd/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/curbed
Updated: 2026-10-18

## Definition

past form of 'curb' — to hold something back or keep it under control, like spending or anger.

For teachers: the past tense and past participle of 'curb'; to restrain, limit, or hold in check.

## Examples

- They curb spending by cooking at home.
- The city curbed traffic in the center by adding bus lanes and bike paths.
- After years of unchecked expansion, the new regulations curbed development along the river and preserved the wetlands for future generations.

## Synonyms

restrain, control, limit, contain, suppress, check, moderate

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and takes a direct object.

---

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.