harness

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/ˈhɑːr.nəs/
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Strap gear that secures and controls, a technical assembly that connects or supports a system, and the act of fitting such gear or directing power and resources for use.
Practice using harness in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • The climber clipped her rope to the harness.
  • The rescue team harnessed the stretcher before lifting it.
  • The agent harness supplies tools, memory, and safety checks around the model.
  • Farmers harnessed the river to irrigate the fields.
  • She harnesses the pony carefully before lessons.

Similar words

leverage
secure
direct
tether
strap
tackle
loom
rig
safety belt
halter

Meanings

Strap gear for securing

noun
equipment
neutral
A set of straps and fittings used to hold, control, support, or protect an animal, person, or object.

Examples

  • The guide checked the horse's harness before the cart moved.
  • The climber clipped her rope to the harness.
  • A baby harness kept the toddler close in the crowd.
  • The dog pulled against its harness on the trail.
  • The parachutist adjusted the harness before boarding the plane.

Similar words

straps
tackle
gear
restraint
halter
webbing
safety belt

Organized technical support system

noun
technology
technical
An arranged set of wires, tools, tests, or surrounding parts that keeps a larger system connected, controlled, or ready to run.

Examples

  • The mechanic replaced the damaged wiring harness.
  • The test harness runs the new module in isolation.
  • The robot's cable harness keeps the sensors connected.
  • The agent harness supplies tools, memory, and safety checks around the model.
  • The engineering team rebuilt the harness before running integration tests.

Similar words

assembly
loom
framework
rig
test framework
wiring bundle
tooling

Fit or connect with a harness

verb
equipment
neutral
To put a harness on an animal, person, or object, or connect it so the harness can hold or control it.

Examples

  • They harnessed the horses before sunrise.
  • The instructor harnessed each climber to the safety line.
  • The crew harnessed the sled dogs for the race.
  • The rescue team harnessed the stretcher before lifting it.
  • She harnesses the pony carefully before lessons.

Similar words

strap
fasten
secure
tether
equip
yoke
attach

Control and use power

verb
power
neutral
To bring energy, talent, knowledge, or another resource under control so it can be used effectively.

Examples

  • Engineers harness wind power on the coast.
  • The project harnessed local knowledge.
  • Good managers harness a team's strengths.
  • The app harnesses machine learning to detect fraud.
  • Farmers harnessed the river to irrigate the fields.

Similar words

use
utilize
channel
capture
tap
leverage
mobilize
direct

Etymology

From Middle English forms such as harneys and harnais, borrowed from Anglo-Norman and Old French harneis or harnois, originally broad words for equipment, armor, and tackle.

FAQ

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