throttle

/ˈθrɑtəl/
verb
  1. To control or limit the flow of something, especially fuel or air to an engine, or to reduce speed or power.
    • The pilot throttled the engines back to prepare for landing.
    • He throttled down the motorcycle as he entered the residential area.
    • You need to throttle the air intake to keep the engine running smoothly.
  2. To strangle or choke someone by squeezing their throat.
    • In the movie, the villain tried to throttle the hero with a rope.
    • He was so angry that he looked like he wanted to throttle his opponent.
    • The attacker grabbed her from behind and began to throttle her.
  3. To suppress or restrict something, such as freedom, growth, or expression.
    • Censorship can throttle creativity and free speech.
    • High taxes threatened to throttle the economic recovery.
    • The new regulations could throttle small businesses with excessive paperwork.
Antonyms
noun
  1. A device that controls the flow of fuel or air to an engine, used to regulate speed or power.
    • The pilot adjusted the throttle to maintain altitude.
    • He opened the throttle wide and the car roared down the track.
    • She pushed the throttle forward to increase the boat's speed.
  2. The lever, pedal, or handle that operates such a device.
    • He pressed the throttle pedal to the floor to accelerate.
    • The driver released the throttle and coasted to a stop.
    • The motorcycle's throttle is on the right handlebar.
Synonyms
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