What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bridle
Example
She gently pulled on the bridle to guide the horse in the right direction. [bridle: noun]
Example
He tried to bridle his anger and respond calmly to the situation. [bridle: verb]
restraint
Example
He showed great restraint by not responding to the insult. [restraint: noun]
Example
The police used restraints to secure the suspect and prevent them from escaping. [restraints: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Restraint is more commonly used than bridle in everyday language. Restraint is versatile and can be used in various contexts, while bridle is more specific to the control of horses.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bridle and restraint?
Both bridle and restraint can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, restraint is more commonly used in formal writing or professional settings due to its broader application.