rein

¹rein

noun \ˈrān\

Definition of REIN

1

: a strap fastened to a bit by which a rider or driver controls an animal —usually used in plural

2

a : a restraining influence : check <kept a tight rein on the proceedings> b : controlling or guiding power —usually used in plural <the reins of government>

3

: opportunity for unhampered activity or use <gave full rein to her imagination>

Examples of REIN

1. He has people working for him, but he has a tight rein on every part of the process.
2. <after the president resigned, the vice president stepped in and took the reins of the company>

Illustration of REIN

Origin of REIN

Middle English reine, from Anglo-French resne, reine, from Vulgar Latin *retina, from Latin retinēre to restrain — more at retain

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to REIN

Synonyms: chair, driver's seat, headship, helm, rein(s)

Antonyms: impotence, impotency, powerlessness

Related Words: chieftainship, commandership, directorship; forefront, lead, vanguard; captainship, chairmanship, deanship, dictatorship, generalship, governorship, kingship, mastership, mastery, premiership, presidency, presidentship, superintendency; dominance, dominion, jurisdiction, sovereignty (also sovranty), sway, upper hand; eminence, height, pedestal, pinnacle, seat, throne, top

Near Antonyms: ranks

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Other Equestrian Terms

canter, cantle, curry, farrier, hunter, paddock, router, skirt, tack

Rhymes with REIN

ain, Aisne, ane, Bain, bane, blain, brain, cane, chain, crane, deign, drain, fain, fane, feign, gain, grain, Kane, lane, Lane, main, mane, pain, Paine, pane, plain, plane, quean, rain, reign, sain, sane, seine, Seine, skein, Spain, sprain, stain, strain, swain, thane, thegn, train, twain, Twain, vain, vane, vein, wain, wane, Wayne