noun
curb
kurb
noun
1
The raised edge of a sidewalk or pavement bordering a street.
"He parked the car close to the curb."
2
Something that restrains or holds something in check.
"The new tax is meant to act as a curb on excessive drinking."
verb
1
To control or hold back; to restrain.
"She tried to curb her enthusiasm during the interview."
"The government introduced measures to curb inflation."
How to Use Curb
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither the edge of a pavement, or, as a verb, to hold something back or limit it.
UK vs US
In UK English the pavement edge is usually spelled "kerb"; American English uses "curb" for both meanings.
Common pairings
curb your enthusiasm
curb spending
sit on the curb
Word Forms
curbs plural
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He parked the car close to the _____.
Etymology
From Middle French courbe, "curved object," from Latin curvus, "bent, curved" — making it a doublet of "curve."