Word
harness
Phoneticshar·ness, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈhɑɹnəs/
UK/hˈɑːnɪs/
Definitions
01to use a resource
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to control and use a natural force or a quality to produce something useful, like energy.
v. to capture, control, and utilize a natural resource or specific capacity for a particular purpose.
“The new power plant will harness the energy of the wind to provide electricity.”
“Engineers are looking for more efficient ways to harness solar radiation in regions with high cloud cover.”
Usage
Often used with natural forces like wind, water, or sun, or abstract qualities like 'potential'.
02to put straps on
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to put a set of straps on an animal or person to control them or keep them safe.
v. to equip an animal or person with a harness for the purpose of restraint, safety, or traction.
“The farmer had to harness the horses before they could pull the heavy wagon.”
“Before the climb began, the instructor showed the students how to harness themselves correctly to the safety ropes.”
Antonyms
03safety/animal straps
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a set of straps that fits around a person's or animal's body to keep them safe or to pull something.
n. a system of straps and fittings by which a horse or other animal is fastened to a cart or plough, or a similar arrangement for a human.
“The baby was strapped securely into his high chair with a five-point harness.”
“The safety inspector checked each climber's harness for signs of wear before allowing them onto the rock face.”
04wiring bundle
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Technology Technical
n. a group of wires or cables tied together in a specific way, usually inside a machine or car.
n. an assembly of electrical cables or wires which transmit signals or electrical power.
“The mechanic found a loose connection in the car's main wiring harness.”
“The aerospace technician spent hours mapping the complex wiring harness within the satellite's propulsion module.”
05to equip with armour
C2 · Proficiency Archaic · Literary
v. to put protective metal armour on a soldier or a horse.
v. to equip a person or horse with defensive armour.
“The knight was harnessed in gleaming steel before the battle began.”
“In the old tales, the king's stallion was harnessed in silver plates that shone like the moon.”
Teaching tip
This sense is archaic; modern learners will almost exclusively encounter 'harness' in the context of energy or safety equipment.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“Harness that back-to-school energy to set some new goals.” “Yirenkyi’s biggest challenge was learning how to harness his power.” Idioms
01. die in harness
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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