a set of straps and fittings by which a horse or other draught animal is fastened to a cart, plough, etc. and is controlled by its driver, control and make use of (natural resources), especially to produce energy, put a harness on (a horse or other draught animal)

in harness, harness racing, safety harness

Formal and Informal Expressions of harness

In different contexts, you can replace 'harness' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'equipment, apparatus' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'gear, tackle' is a commonplace synonym.

harness: Explore its Definition & Usage

harness Definition

1a set of straps and fittings by which a horse or other draught animal is fastened to a cart, plough, etc. and is controlled by its driver
2control and make use of (natural resources), especially to produce energy
3put a harness on (a horse or other draught animal)

Using harness: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "harness" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The horse was fitted with a new harness.
Example
The wind turbines harness the power of the wind to generate electricity.
Example
He harnessed the oxen to the plow.

harness Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for harness

Antonyms for harness

Phrases with harness

in harness
working, especially in a job that requires a lot of physical effort
Example
He continued to work in harness until he was well into his seventies.
harness racing
a type of horse racing in which horses race at a specific gait (a trot or a pace) while pulling a two-wheeled cart called a sulky
Example
Harness racing is popular in many countries around the world.
safety harness
a system of straps and buckles designed to secure a person to a structure, typically used to prevent falls from heights
Example
Before starting the construction work, the workers put on their safety harnesses.

Origins of harness

from Old French 'harnois', meaning 'armour'

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Summary: harness in Brief

The term 'harness' [ˈhɑːnɪs] refers to a set of straps and fittings used to control a horse or other draught animal, or to control and make use of natural resources to produce energy. The verb form means to put a harness on an animal. Examples include 'The horse was fitted with a new harness,' and 'The wind turbines harness the power of the wind to generate electricity.' Phrases include 'in harness,' meaning working hard, 'harness racing,' a type of horse racing, and 'safety harness,' a system used to prevent falls from heights.