Taming

The act or process of bringing a wild animal under control; making it accustomed to human presence and handling. It also extends figuratively to controlling or subduing something difficult or undesirable, such as a natural force, a strong emotion, or even a societal problem. It can involve techniques of habituation, training, and often, a relationship built on trust, though not always explicitly. The goal is usually to make the subject more manageable, useful, or less harmful. This process can range from the gentle encouragement of a shy animal to the rigorous training needed to make a horse rideable.

Taming meaning with examples

• The process of taming a wild mustang required patience and expertise. The cowboy spent weeks slowly gaining the horse's trust, gradually introducing the saddle, and finally riding it. This meticulous taming allowed the horse to become a valuable working partner, assisting with herding and transport.
• The zoologist dedicated her career to taming exotic species. She specialized in creating comfortable environments for wild animals in captivity, teaching them to trust human handlers and, through careful behavior modification, helping them adjust to their new lives.
• The pioneers faced the challenge of taming the wilderness. They developed methods to cultivate land, control water sources for farming, and construct buildings, essentially modifying nature and making it safer for habitation and development.
• After a difficult year, the therapist aided her patient in taming her overwhelming anxiety. Through consistent practice, the patient began to recognize the triggers, and the impact, of her symptoms. By the end of the therapeutic process the patient had better control over managing and responding to stress.