rein

[ reyn ]
/ reɪn /

noun

verb (used with object)

to check or guide (a horse or other animal) by exerting pressure on a bridle bit by means of the reins.
to curb; restrain; control.

verb (used without object)

to obey the reins: a horse that reins well.
to rein a horse or other animal.

Idioms for rein

    draw rein, to curtail one's speed or progress; halt: The rider saw the snake and drew rein sharply.
    give rein to, to give complete freedom to; indulge freely: to give rein to one's imagination. Also give free rein to, give full rein to.

Origin of rein

1300–50; (noun) Middle English rene, reine, raine < Old French re(s)ne < Vulgar Latin *retina, noun derivative of Latin retinēre to hold back, retain; (v.) Middle English rainen, reinen, derivative of the noun

SYNONYMS FOR rein

6 check, bridle, limit.

OTHER WORDS FROM rein

rein·less, adjective un·reined, adjective

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH rein

rain reign rein

Words nearby rein

reimplantation, reimport, reimpose, reimpression, reims, rein, rein in, reincarnate, reincarnation, reindeer, reindeer lake

British Dictionary definitions for give free rein to

rein
/ (reɪn) /

noun

verb

(tr) to check, restrain, hold back, or halt with or as if with reins
to control or guide (a horse) with a rein or reins they reined left
See also rein in

Word Origin for rein

C13: from Old French resne, from Latin retinēre to hold back, from re- + tenēre to hold; see restrain

undefined rein

See reign

Idioms and Phrases with give free rein to (1 of 2)

give free rein to

see under free hand.

Idioms and Phrases with give free rein to (2 of 2)

rein

see draw in the reins; free hand (rein) tight rein on.