First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
1check
noun \ˈchek\
Definition of CHECK
1
: exposure of a chess king to an attack from which he must be protected or moved to safety
2
3
: a sudden pause or break in a progression
5
: one that arrests, limits, or restrains : restraint <against all checks, rebukes, and manners, I must advance — Shakespeare>
6
a : a standard for testing and evaluation : criterion b : examination <a quick check of the engine> c : inspection, investigation <a loyalty check on government employees> d : the act of testing or verifying; also : the sample or unit used for testing or verifying
7
: a written order directing a bank to pay money as instructed : draft
8
a : a ticket or token showing ownership or identity or indicating payment made <a baggage check> b : a counter in various games c : a slip indicating the amount due : bill
9
[Middle English chek, short for cheker checker] a : a pattern in squares that resembles a checkerboard b : a fabric woven or printed with such a design
10
: a mark typically √ placed beside an item to show it has been noted, examined, or verified
11
— check·less \ˈche-kləs\ adjective
— in check
: under restraint or control <trying to keep his emotions in check>
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Origin of CHECK
Middle English chek, from Anglo-French eschec, from Arabic shāh, from Persian, literally, king; akin to Greek ktasthai to acquire, Sanskrit kṣatra dominion
Related to CHECK
- Antonyms
- continuance, continuation
2check
verb
: to look at (something) carefully to find mistakes, problems, etc., or to make sure there is nothing wrong with it
: to get information by looking at something, asking about something, etc.
: to look at or in (a place) in order to find or get something or someone
Full Definition of CHECK
transitive verb
1
: to put (a chess king) in check
3
a : to slow or bring to a stop : brake <hastily checked the impulse> b : to block the progress of (as a hockey player)
4
a : to restrain or diminish the action or force of : control b : to slack or ease off and then belay again (as a rope)
5
a : to compare with a source, original, or authority : verify <needs to check her facts> b : to inspect, examine, or look at appraisingly —usually used with out or over <checking out new cars> c : to mark with a check as examined, verified, or satisfactory —often used with off <checked off each item>
6
a : to consign (as luggage) to a common carrier from which one has purchased a passenger ticket <checked our bags before boarding> b : to ship or accept for shipment under such a consignment
7
: to mark into squares : checker
8
: to leave or accept for safekeeping in a checkroom <check a coat>
9
: to make checks or chinks : cause to crack <the sun checks timber>
intransitive verb
1
a of a dog : to stop in a chase especially when scent is lost b : to halt through caution, uncertainty, or fear : stop
2
a : to investigate conditions <checked on the passengers' safety> b : to prove to be consistent or truthful <the description checks with the photograph> —often used with out <the story checked out>
3
: to draw a check on a bank
4
: to waive the right to initiate the betting in a round of poker
5
— check into
1
: to check in at <check into a hotel>
2
: investigate <the police are checking into his alibi>
— check up on
: investigate <check up on a possible investment>
See check defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of CHECK
14th century
Related to CHECK
Synonym Discussion of CHECK
restrain, check, curb, bridle mean to hold back from or control in doing something. restrain suggests holding back by force or persuasion from acting or from going to extremes <restrained themselves from laughing>. check implies restraining or impeding a progress, activity, or impetus <trying to check government spending>. curb suggests an abrupt or drastic checking <learn to curb your appetite>. bridle implies keeping under control by subduing or holding in <bridle an impulse to throw the book down>.
3check
inter
Definition of CHECK
—used to express assent or agreement
CHECK Defined for Kids
1check
noun \ˈchek\
Definition of CHECK for Kids
1
: a sudden stopping of progress : pause <The anchor gave a check to the ship's motion.>
2
: something that delays, stops, or holds back <The new penalty will serve as a check on pollution.>
3
: examination 1, investigation <a safety check>
4
: a written order telling a bank to pay out money from a person's account to the one named on the order
5
: a ticket or token showing a person's ownership, identity, or claim to something <a baggage check>
6
: a slip of paper showing the amount due
7
: a pattern in squares <The shirt has a blue and red check.>
8
: a mark √ typically placed beside a written or printed item to show that something has been specially noted
9
: an act of hitting or stopping a player in hockey
10
: a situation in chess in which a player's king can be captured on the opponent's next turn
— in check
: under control <Try to keep your emotions in check.>
2check
verb
checkedcheck·ing
Definition of CHECK for Kids
1
: to slow or bring to a stop <A bandage checked the bleeding.> <The batter checked his swing.>
2
: to hold back or under control <You must check your temper.>
3
: to make sure that something is correct or satisfactory <Don't forget to check your spelling.> <I'll have to check the time with my mom.>
4
: to get information by examining <He checked his watch.>
5
: to mark with a check <Check the correct answer.>
6
: to leave or accept for safekeeping or for shipment <check baggage>
7
: to stop or hit (a player) in hockey
— check out
1
: to look at <Check out his new car.>
2
: to borrow from a library <She checked out two books.>
3
: to pay for purchases
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