throttle
UK: ˈθrɒt(ə)l | US: ˈθrɑːt(ə)l
n. a device controlling fluid flow (e.g., in engines)
vt. to strangle or suppress
vt. to reduce speed or power (e.g., throttling an engine)
throttle = throt<neck> + le<frequentative verb suffix>
- throt (from Old English þrote, meaning "throat" or "neck")
- le (a frequentative suffix in English, indicating repeated or continuous action)
Etymology Origin:
The word throttle traces back to Old English þrote (throat), reflecting its original sense of "strangling by the throat." Over time, it evolved metaphorically to describe constricting flow (e.g., in engines) or suppressing movement. The suffix -le reinforces the action’s repetitive nature, as in "choke repeatedly" → "control by restriction."
The pilot adjusted the throttle to increase the plane’s speed.
He accidentally throttled the engine, causing it to stall.
The dictator sought to throttle dissent among the population.
A faulty throttle valve can disrupt fuel efficiency.
She felt his hands tighten around her throat, threatening to throttle her.