Meaning & use
harness
To control and put to use, especially a natural force or resource, in order to achieve something useful.
See it in a sentence
Engineers are working to harness wind energy more efficiently for coastal towns.
The coach helped him harness his nervous energy and turn it into focus.
A note on using this word
Harness is most often used figuratively about controlling energy, talent, or natural forces for a productive purpose, beyond its literal sense with animals.
Words with a similar meaning
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
waste
Another way to use it
2. noun
A set of straps used to control an animal or to secure a person for safety.
The climber checked her harness twice before starting up the cliff.
Make it your own
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