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harness

2 syllables
Quick answer

As a noun, harness means a restraint or support, especially one consisting of a loop or network of rope or straps. As a verb, it means place a harness on something.

Meanings of harness

13 meanings

noun

  1. A restraint or support, especially one consisting of a loop or network of rope or straps.

  2. A collection of wires or cables bundled and routed according to their function.

  3. The part of a loom comprising the heddles, with their means of support and motion, by which the threads of the warp are alternately raised and depressed for the passage of the shuttle.

  4. Equipment for any kind of labour.

  5. A support consisting of an arrangement of straps for holding something to the body (especially one supporting a person suspended from a parachute)

  6. Stable gear consisting of an arrangement of leather straps fitted to a draft animal so that it can be attached to and pull a cart

Older and rare meanings (1)
  1. datedThe complete dress, especially in a military sense, of a man or a horse; armour in general.

verb

  1. To place a harness on something; to tie up or restrain.

    “They harnessed the horse to the post.”

  2. To capture, control or put to use.

    “Imagine what might happen if it were possible to harness solar energy fully.”

  3. To equip with armour.

  4. Exploit the power of

    “harness natural forces and resources”

  5. Control and direct with or as if by reins

    “rein a horse”

    Similar: rein in, draw rein, rein
  6. Keep in check

    “rule one's temper”

    Similar: rule, rein

Meanings from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Open English WordNet (CC BY 4.0).

Synonyms by meaning

verb: put a harness
verb: control and direct with or as if by reins
rein indraw reinrein
verb: keep in check
Oppositesunharness

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