harness
harness Lexical Profile
harness Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An arrangement of straps used for attaching a person's body to something, such as a parachute, hang glider, or safety rope.
"Before starting the climb up the sheer rock face, she double-checked the buckles on her safety harness."
A set of straps and fittings by which a horse or other draft animal is fastened to a cart, plow, or carriage and is controlled by its driver.
"The farmer carefully adjusted the leather harness on the draft horse before attaching the heavy plow."
• verb
To control and make use of natural resources or abstract forces, especially to produce energy or achieve a specific goal.
"The new engineering facility is designed to harness the power of the ocean tides to generate electricity."
To put a harness on a horse or other draft animal.
"He harnessed the team of huskies to the sled at dawn, preparing for the long journey across the ice."
• Rhymes for harness
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old French 'harneis' meaning military equipment, baggage, or gear, likely of Old Norse origin from 'hernest' (provisions for an army).
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.