throttle

American  

[throt-l] / ˈθrɒt 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.

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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.

idioms

1. at full throttle, at maximum speed.

throttle British  

/ 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

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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

Etymology

Origin of throttle

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

Example Sentences

"You just need to back off the throttle or turn down the battery and you charge the thing. So no more challenge in the high speed."

From BBC

"We have seen some quotes where the underwriter has actually warranted that the vessel goes through at... full throttle," said Smith.

From Barron's

The adjustment is tied to the U.S. income-tax season, which affects banking system reserves, allowing the Fed to throttle back purchases.

From The Wall Street Journal

While Saudi Arabia has rerouted some supplies through existing pipelines to export terminals elsewhere, analysts including Rapidan Energy Group say 10 million or more barrels of petroleum a day remain throttled.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Our job is to ensure that, and so we’re keeping our hand on that throttle.”

From Los Angeles Times