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. 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 comes on the heels of a half-point cut in September when the central bank pivoted to loosen monetary policy after holding rates at a two-decade high to throttle back inflation.

From Los Angeles Times

Warming has led to reduced agricultural productivity and diminished crop yields, while major disasters throttle the supply chain.

From Salon

The pilot shoved the throttles forward and went for it.

From Los Angeles Times

“It was a long day, and every time they said, ‘Save your voice’ or ‘Don’t go full throttle,’ I did.

From Los Angeles Times

"So they’ll buy a normal bike, and then they’ll buy a kit online of batteries - which are unstable in a lot of cases - throttles and rear hub motors that will turn them into mopeds basically."

From BBC