unbridled
Americanadjective
-
not controlled or restrained.
unbridled enthusiasm.
-
not fitted with a bridle.
adjective
-
with all restraints removed
-
(of a horse, etc) wearing no bridle
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of unbridled
First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English unbrydled. See un- 1, bridle ( def. ), + -ed 2 ( def. )
Explanation
Unbridled means "unrestrained." When you find out that you just won the lottery, feel free to jump up and down with unbridled joy. Go ahead, most people would probably let loose in the same way. A bridle is the contraption used to control a horse, including the reins held by the rider and the bit that goes into the horse’s mouth. Add the un prefix and it means there is no control. Unbridled is often used to describe people’s emotions or actions and it can be either a good or a bad thing. If you have unbridled spending, you’re in danger of going in debt. If you tackle homework with unbridled enthusiasm, you’re likely going to get good grades.
Vocabulary lists containing unbridled
Fast Food Nation
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This Week in Words: July 31 - August 4, 2017
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100 SAT Words Beginning with "U"
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
There were tears of disbelief and unbridled joy as the unflappable Jose Canale smashed home Paraguay's penalty to complete one of the greatest World Cup upsets in recent memory.
From BBC ● Jun. 30, 2026
You know how we adults are inclined to respond to such unbridled optimism: With patronizing pats on the head.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 4, 2026
Alliance chief Mark Rutte -- dubbed a "Trump whisperer" -- is central as he has managed to keep the president onside, thanks in large part to his unbridled flattery of the US leader.
From Barron's ● Apr. 1, 2026
But when it comes to her writing, she is unbridled.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 30, 2026
It was this suspicion, combined with the Clarks’ unbridled greed, that formed the basis of Sara’s plan.
From "City Spies" by James Ponti
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
