First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
1throttle
verb throt·tle \ˈthrä-təl\
: to choke or strangle (someone)
: to defeat (someone or something) easily or completely
: to not allow (something) to grow or develop
throt·tledthrot·tling \ˈthrät-liŋ, ˈthrä-təl-iŋ\
Full Definition of THROTTLE
transitive verb
1
2
a : to decrease the flow of (as steam or fuel to an engine) by a valve b : to regulate and especially to reduce the speed of (as an engine) by such means c : to vary the thrust of (a rocket engine) during flight
intransitive verb
: to throttle something (as an engine) —usually used with back or down <the pilot throttled back>
— throt·tler \ˈthrät-lər, ˈthrä-təl-ər\ noun
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Origin of THROTTLE
Middle English throtelen, from throte throat
2throttle
noun
: a device that controls the flow of fuel to an engine
Full Definition of THROTTLE
2
a : a valve for regulating the supply of a fluid (as steam) to an engine; especially : the valve controlling the volume of vaporized fuel charge delivered to the cylinders of an internal combustion engine b : the lever controlling this valve c : the condition of being throttled
— at full throttle
: at full speed <the project is proceeding at full throttle>
See throttle defined for English-language learners
Origin of THROTTLE
perhaps from Middle English *throtel, diminutive of throte throat
First Known Use: circa 1547
Other Automotive Terms
THROTTLED Defined for Kids
1throttle
verb throt·tle \ˈthrä-təl\
throt·tledthrot·tling
Definition of THROTTLE for Kids
1
: to strangle or choke (someone)
2
: to reduce the speed of (an engine) by closing the throttle valve
2throttle
noun
Definition of THROTTLE for Kids
: a valve or a lever that controls the valve for regulating the flow of steam or fuel in an engine
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