n.
Function: transitive verb
Date: 14th century
1 : to put (a chess king) in check
2 chiefly dialect : REBUKE , REPRIMAND
3 a : to slow or bring to a stop : BRAKE <hastily check ed 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 < check ing out new cars> c : to mark with a check as examined, verified, or satisfactory ― often used with off < check ed off each item>
6 a : to consign (as luggage) to a common carrier from which one has purchased a passenger ticket < check ed 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 check s 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 < check ed on the passengers' safety> b : to prove to be consistent or truthful <the description check s with the photograph> ― often used with out <the story check ed out>
3 : to draw a check on a bank
4 : to waive the right to initiate the betting in a round of poker
5 : CRACK , SPLIT
synonyms see RESTRAIN
– 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>