noun

throttle

THROT-l

noun

A valve or lever that controls how much fuel or air reaches an engine, and therefore its speed.

"He eased off the throttle as he approached the corner."

"The motorbike's throttle is on the right handlebar."

verb

To restrict or slow something down, such as an engine, a network connection, or activity.

"The internet provider throttles speeds during peak hours."

To choke or strangle someone by gripping their throat.

"He grabbed the intruder and nearly throttled him."

How to Use Throttle

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither the control for an engine's power, or to restrict/choke something.

Easily confused with

throat →

Common pairings

open the throttle throttle internet speed throttle someone

throttled past tense, throttles plural, throttles singular

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Can you complete this real example?

He eased off the _____ as he approached the corner.

From an old diminutive of "throat" — literally "little throat" — since throttling originally meant squeezing someone's windpipe.

bottle