throttle

[ throt-l ]

/ ˈθrɒt l /

Save This Word!

See synonyms for throttle on Thesaurus.com

noun

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

throttle valve.

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

verb (used with object), throt·tled, throt·tling.

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

to choke or suffocate in any way.

to compress by fastening something tightly around.

to silence or check as if by choking: His message was throttled by censorship.

Machinery.

to obstruct or check the flow of (a fluid), as to control the speed of an engine.
to reduce the pressure of (a fluid) by passing it from a smaller area to a larger one.

QUIZ

QUIZ YOURSELF ON "IS" VS. "ARE"

"Is" it time for a new quiz? "Are" you ready? Then prove your excellent skills on using "is" vs. "are."

Question 1 of 7

IS and ARE are both forms of which verb?

have

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Idioms about throttle

at full throttle, at maximum speed.

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 throtethroat; compare German Drossel

OTHER WORDS FROM throttle

throttler, nounun·throt·tled, adjective

Words nearby throttle

throne room, throng, thronner, thronos, throstle, throttle, throttleable, throttle-body injection, Throttlebottom, throttlehold, throttle lever

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use throttle in a sentence

It operates with a twist throttle, so Wilder is learning real motorcycle control skills, as well as balance, as he rips around trails on this thing at nine miles per hour, the top speed.
A Bad Uncle's Guide to Dangerous Gifts for Kids|Wes Siler|December 11, 2020|Outside Online
Because you don’t need to shift, accelerating is an easy, linear experience—twist that throttle and zoom forward.
I rode an electric motorcycle for the first time. Here’s what I learned.|Rob Verger|December 10, 2020|Popular-Science
Although sometimes when it’s difficult, the tendency for me is not to want to walk away from it, I just want to go full throttle forward and just plunge into it.
Dan Rather: Propaganda and injustice are a ‘very potent, toxic mix’|Joe Heim|November 23, 2020|Washington Post
Ergonomic controls are mounted right on the tube for ease-of-use, and a cruise-control feature allows you to maintain constant air-power for extended periods without riding the throttle.
Leaf blowers that help you fight fallen foliage|PopSci Commerce Team|September 25, 2020|Popular-Science

The motor assists when the rider is pedaling or when the rider uses a throttle to accelerate without pedaling.
Do You Want to Buy an E-Cargo Bike? Read This First.|Joe Lindsey|August 30, 2020|Outside Online
When you hit a throttle on a sprint car, the car sets sideways.
Homicide or Accident in Tony Stewart’s NASCAR Scandal?|Robert Silverman|August 11, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Even Biden seems hesitant to go full throttle against Hillary.
Does America Really Want to Coronate Hillary?|Myra Adams|March 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST
So while the Republican race is in full throttle, the Democrats are left in standby mode.
Democratic Presidential Contenders Stay in the Shadows|David Catanese|May 26, 2013|DAILY BEAST
When adultescents return home, mothers tend to reinvest full throttle in their dormant parenting role.
Boomerang Moms: When Mommy Returns to Deal With ‘Adultescents’|Sally Koslow|June 15, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Riders get traction control, electronic suspension adjustment, and a ride-by-wire throttle.
Ducati’s Panigale and History’s Most Innovative Motorcycles|Chris Hunter|November 13, 2011|DAILY BEAST
Bending lower over the handlebars, he opened the throttle with a twist of his left hand.
Motor Matt's "Century" Run|Stanley R. Matthews
A further control of the high speed jet is provided by the fuel metering valve operated by the carbureter throttle.
Marvel Carbureter and Heat Control|Anonymous
Advance spark lever about half way and throttle lever about one-quarter way and depress starter pedal.
Marvel Carbureter and Heat Control|Anonymous
If the engine idles too fast with throttle closed, the latter may be adjusted by means of the throttle lever adjusting screw.
Marvel Carbureter and Heat Control|Anonymous
Karl cried, trying blindly to reach him, to grasp his throat to throttle him.
The Devil|Joseph O'Brien

British Dictionary definitions for throttle

throttle

/ (ˈθrɒtəl) /

noun

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

an informal or dialect word for throat

verb (tr)

to kill or injure by squeezing the throat

to suppressto throttle the press

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

Derived forms of throttle

throttler, noun

Word Origin for throttle

C14: throtelen, from throte throat

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

throttle

Idioms about throttle

Origin of throttle

OTHER WORDS FROM throttle

Words nearby throttle

Words related to throttle

How to use throttle in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for throttle

Derived forms of throttle

Word Origin for throttle