What does taming mean?
Taming means bringing a wild, untrained, or resistant subject under control. The word is especially associated with animals, as in taming a horse, but it is also used figuratively for difficult emotions, powerful forces, or natural phenomena. As a verb form, taming describes an ongoing process: a person may spend months taming a young animal, calming a frightened creature, or learning to master a difficult skill. As a noun, taming refers to that process itself, as in the taming of the wilderness or the taming of a powerful storm. The word can suggest patience, skill, and gradual transformation, but it can also carry a negative implication when used of relationships or people, where it may suggest domination or an unwanted attempt to control autonomy. Its history reflects the older connection between domestic animals, the household, and the Latin idea of bringing something under control.
The present participle of tame, meaning to make a wild, untrained, or difficult-to-control subject manageable or obedient.
"The trainer spent months taming the young stallion."
Used literally of animals and figuratively of people, emotions, forces, and natural phenomena. The participle can suggest either patient control or coercive domination, depending on context.
The act or process of taming, especially of an animal, a person, or a difficult or uncontrolled force.
"The gradual taming of the river changed the surrounding landscape."
Usually used in the abstract or with the construction “the taming of” something; it is generally uncountable in modern standard English.
Generally uncountable; a regular plural is not standard.
"The taming of the wild horses took years of careful work."
Taming has a domestic history: from Old English tam comes Latin domare, “to bring under control,” whose roots connect with the idea of the household.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
How taming is actually used
The verb form is standard in both British and American English. It is commonly used for animals and, figuratively, for forces such as the wind, fire, or nature. When applied to people, especially children or partners, it can imply excessive control and may sound paternalistic.
Easily confused with taming
Taming means bringing a wild or difficult subject under control, whereas tamping means packing or compacting material.