check

²check

verb

Definition of CHECK

transitive verb

1

: to put (a chess king) in check

2

chiefly dialect : rebuke, reprimand

3

a : to slow or bring to a stop : brake <hastily checked 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 <checking out new cars> c : to mark with a check as examined, verified, or satisfactory —often used with off <checked off each item>

6

a : to consign (as luggage) to a common carrier from which one has purchased a passenger ticket <checked 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 checks 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 <checked on the passengers' safety> b : to prove to be consistent or truthful <the description checks with the photograph> —often used with out <the story checked 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

— 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>

Examples of CHECK

1. Make sure to check your spelling.
2. She checked her makeup in the mirror.
3. We should check the equipment to make sure that it's working properly.
4. The guards checked my passport.
5. He checked his watch and saw that it was almost noon.
6. I'll just check the map to see where we are.
7. I'll check the newspaper to see when the movie starts.
8. If you're looking for a spoon, check the top drawer.
9. I checked his office but he wasn't there.
10. If you're looking for the umbrella, check in the closet.

First Known Use of CHECK

14th century

Related to CHECK

Synonyms: accord, agree, answer, chord, cohere, coincide, comport, conform, consist, correspond, dovetail, fit, go, harmonize, jibe, rhyme (also rime), sort, square, tally, fall in with

Antonyms: differ (from), disagree (with)

Related Words: equal, match, parallel; align (also aline), line up, register

Near Antonyms: contradict, dispute, gainsay; negate, nullify; clash, conflict, jar

see all synonyms and antonyms

[+]more[-]hide

See Synonym Discussion at restrain