throttle

[throt-l]

noun

1. Also called throttle lever. a lever, pedal, handle, etc., for controlling or manipulating a throttle valve.

2. throttle valve.

3. the throat, gullet, or windpipe, as of a horse.

verb (used with object)

throttled, throttling 

1. to stop the breath of by compressing the throat; strangle.

2. to choke or suffocate in any way.

3. to compress by fastening something tightly around.

4. to silence or check as if by choking.

   His message was throttled by censorship.

5. Machinery.

   1. to obstruct or check the flow of (a fluid), as to control the speed of an engine.

   2. to reduce the pressure of (a fluid) by passing it from a smaller area to a larger one.

throttle

/ ˈθrɒtəl /

noun

1. Also called: throttle valve. any device that controls the quantity of fuel or fuel and air mixture entering an engine

2. an informal or dialect word for throat

verb

1. to kill or injure by squeezing the throat

2. to suppress

   to throttle the press

3. to control or restrict (a flow of fluid) by means of a throttle valve

Other Word Forms

• throttler noun
• unthrottled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of throttle¹

1350–1400; (v.) Middle English throtelen, frequentative of throten to cut the throat of (someone), strangle, derivative of throat; (noun) probably diminutive of Middle English throte throat; compare German Drossel

Word History and Origins

Origin of throttle¹

C14: throtelen , from throte _throat

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. at full throttle, at maximum speed.

Example Sentences

Adams said "constant media speculation" about his future and the city campaign finance board's decision to deny him public matching funds, throttled his campaign.

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“Depending where I threw it, he’d be able to throttle it on or off and make the catch.”

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The current cars have less drag than those in 2020, so are faster on the straights, and at Monza cars spend longer at full throttle than anywhere else.

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Draper did not go full throttle with his serve during the match against Gomez, relying on precision and patience instead of power.

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While it did not look like Draper went full throttle on his serve as the pair reached the quarter-finals, he said it was "perfect" preparation.

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