harness

Universal Words noun, verb noun 1 a set of leather straps and metal pieces that is put around a horse's head and body so that the horse can be controlled and fastened to a carriage, etc. 2 a set of straps for fastening sth to a person's body or to keep them from moving off or falling: a safety harness IDIOMS in harness (BrE) doing your normal work, especially after a rest or a holiday in harness (with sb) (BrE) working closely with sb in order to achieve sth: They'll be working in harness with other doctors to compile the report. verb [VN] 1 ~ sth (to sth) to put a harness on a horse or other animal; to attach a horse or other animal to sth with a harness: to harness a horse * We harnessed two ponies to the cart. * (figurative) In some areas, the poor feel harnessed to their jobs. 2 to control and use the force or strength of sth to produce power or to achieve sth: attempts to harness the sun's rays as a source of energy * We must harness the skill and creativity of our workforce.