I. curb 1 /kɜːb $ kɜːrb/ BrE AmE verb [transitive]
to control or limit something in order to prevent it from having a harmful effect:
measures to curb the spread of the virus
II. curb 2 BrE AmE noun [countable]
[ Date: 1400-1500 ; Language: French ; Origin: courbe 'curve, curved piece of wood or metal' , from Latin curvus ; ⇨ ↑ curve 2 ]
1 . an influence which helps to control or limit something
curb on
We are trying to keep a curb on their activities.
2 . American English the raised edge of a road, between where people can walk and cars can drive SYN kerb British English ⇨ pavement , sidewalk