I. ˈthräd. ə l, -ät ə l verb
( throttled ; throttled ; throttling -d. ə liŋ, -t( ə )liŋ ; throttles )
Etymology: Middle English throtelen, throtlen, from throte throat
transitive verb
1.
a.
(1) : to seize and compress the throat of so as to impede or check breathing ; broadly : to impede or check the breathing of by any means : choke
(2) : to kill by such action
b. : to suppress or prevent or hinder expression, expansion, or other activity of by choking constriction : bring under severe check or control
might not such regulation throttle the freedom of science — John Dewey
2. obsolete : to utter brokenly as if half suffocated
3.
a. : to obstruct the flow of (as steam to an engine) especially by a throttle valve
b. : to reduce the speed of (as an engine) by such means — often used with down
throttled the car down to 20 miles an hour
— compare govern 2b
intransitive verb
: to have the throat obstructed so as to be in danger of suffocation : choke
Synonyms: see suffocate
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: perhaps alteration (influenced by throttle ) (I) of thropple (I)
1.
a. : throat 1
b. : trachea 1
2.
[ throttle valve ]
a. : throttle valve
b. : throttle lever
•
- at full throttle
III. transitive verb
: to increase the speed or intensity of by or as if by adjusting a throttle — used with up
throttle up the engine
throttles up his campaign train — James Bennett
intransitive verb
: to proceed or operate at a speed controlled by or as if by a throttle — used with up , down , or back