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)

, throt·tled, throt·tling.

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 calledthrottle valve any device that controls the quantity of fuel or fuel and air mixture entering an engine
2. See throat
   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

Derived Forms

• ˈthrottler, noun

Other Words From

• throttler noun
• un·throttled 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

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.

From Outside Online

Because you don’t need to shift, accelerating is an easy, linear experience—twist that throttle and zoom forward.

From 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.

From 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.

From Popular-Science

The motor assists when the rider is pedaling or when the rider uses a throttle to accelerate without pedaling.

From Outside Online

When you hit a throttle on a sprint car, the car sets sideways.

From The Daily Beast

Even Biden seems hesitant to go full throttle against Hillary.

From The Daily Beast

So while the Republican race is in full throttle, the Democrats are left in standby mode.

From The Daily Beast

When adultescents return home, mothers tend to reinvest full throttle in their dormant parenting role.

From The Daily Beast

Riders get traction control, electronic suspension adjustment, and a ride-by-wire throttle.

From The Daily Beast

Bending lower over the handlebars, he opened the throttle with a twist of his left hand.

From Project Gutenberg

A further control of the high speed jet is provided by the fuel metering valve operated by the carbureter throttle.

From Project Gutenberg

Advance spark lever about half way and throttle lever about one-quarter way and depress starter pedal.

From Project Gutenberg

If the engine idles too fast with throttle closed, the latter may be adjusted by means of the throttle lever adjusting screw.

From Project Gutenberg

Karl cried, trying blindly to reach him, to grasp his throat to throttle him.

From Project Gutenberg