harness

6 definitions • 10 examples

a piece of equipment with straps and belts, used to control or hold in place a person, animal, or object:

a safety harness

a baby harness

a parachute harness

to put a harness on a horse, or to connect a horse to a vehicle using a harness

to control something, usually in order to use its power:

There is a great deal of interest in harnessing wind and waves as new sources of power.

a piece of equipment, including straps for fastening it, used to control an animal such as a horse or attach it to a load to be pulled, or a set of straps used to hold a person in place:

a horse’s harness

a parachute harness

to put a harness on an animal or a person:

He harnessed the baby into her car seat.

The dam harnesses water power (= controls and uses it) to generate electricity.

to collect and control something so that it can be used effectively:

harness energy/ideas/skills Organizations need to harness the skills and knowledge of people who are retired or unemployed.

harness the power of sth Plans to help developing countries harness the power of technology are important in the fight against global warming.