Definition

1. Noun:

   • A device controlling fuel/air flow: A throttle is a valve or pedal that regulates the supply of fuel and air to an engine, controlling its speed and power.
   • The throat or windpipe (archaic/technical): In older or technical contexts, "throttle" can refer to the throat or windpipe.

2. Verb:

   • To strangle or choke: To throttle someone means to squeeze their throat tightly, restricting airflow and potentially causing death.
   • To restrict or suppress: To throttle something means to severely restrict, suppress, or hold it back.
   • To control engine speed: To throttle an engine means to regulate its power output by adjusting the fuel/air mixture.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • He pressed the throttle to make the boat go faster. (He used the control to increase the engine's power.)
  • The pilot pushed the throttle forward for takeoff. (The pilot increased the engine power for takeoff.)

• Verb:

  • The villain tried to throttle the hero. (The villain tried to strangle the hero.)
  • High taxes can throttle economic growth. (High taxes can suppress economic growth.)
  • You need to throttle back the engine when docking. (You need to reduce the engine power when docking.)

Advanced Usage

• "At full throttle": Operating at maximum speed, power, or intensity.
  • The company is working at full throttle to meet the deadline. (The company is working at maximum intensity.)
• "To throttle down/back": To reduce the speed or power of an engine.
  • The captain throttled back as the ship entered the harbor. (The captain reduced the engine power.)

Variants and Related Words

• Throttle valve (n): The specific valve that controls the flow of fuel or steam in an engine. (Often shortened to "throttle").
• Throttler (n): One who or that which throttles.

Synonyms

• Noun (device): Accelerator, gas pedal.
• Verb (strangle): Strangle, choke, suffocate.
• Verb (restrict): Restrict, suppress, stifle, curb.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Throttle back/down: To reduce the power or speed of an engine; to reduce the intensity of an activity.
  • We need to throttle down our spending this month. (We need to reduce our spending.)
• Throttle up: To increase the power or speed of an engine.
  • Throttle up slowly to avoid stalling. (Increase power slowly.)

Related Idioms

• "To have one's hand on the throttle": To be in control of a situation or operation.
  • As the new manager, she now has her hand on the throttle. (She is now in control.)
• "Full throttle": With maximum effort or speed.
  • He lives his life at full throttle. (He lives with maximum energy and intensity.)

Noun

1. a pedal that controls the throttle valve
   • he stepped on the gas
2. a valve that regulates the supply of fuel to the engine

Verb

1. reduce the air supply
   • choke a carburetor
2. kill by squeezing the throat of so as to cut off the air
   • he tried to strangle his opponent
   • A man in Boston has been strangling several dozen prostitutes
3. place limits on (extent or access)
   • restrict the use of this parking lot
   • limit the time you can spend with your friends