Definition of throttlenext
as in to choke
to keep (someone) from breathing by exerting pressure on the windpipe I was so angry at what he was saying that I could have throttled him!

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of throttle Through a series of measures starting in 2022, Washington has cut off China’s access to the cutting-edge GPUs, throttling Chinese companies’ efforts in competing for the top AI models with US tech giants. John Liu, CNN Money, 24 June 2026 To light that fire again on WHACK’S MUSEUM, Tierra Whack spins back to her battle rap roots for a full-throttled put me in your barbershop top fives record. Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 24 June 2026 Webb, however, provides an opportunity to throttle up and down on the same possession. Troy Renck, Denver Post, 20 June 2026 There were 11 players who, a few hours later, throttled Australia and made America forget about Pulisic’s left calf. Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 20 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for throttle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for throttle
Verb
  • Cotton is one of more than 100 million people across the Midwest, Northeast and mid-Atlantic breathing in dangerous air brought by thick, choking plumes of smoke from wildfires in Canada.
    Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
  • The trend, which was popular on TikTok at the time, involves intentionally choking oneself or holding one’s breath until passing out.
    Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 18 July 2026
Verb
  • In the autopsy, the medical examiner determined that Bruneau was strangled sometime during the midmorning.
    Amy McDaniel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 July 2026
  • Ortiz allegedly grabbed the woman’s face and neck, threw her to the ground and strangled her, restricting her breathing for about a minute, the prosecutor said in court.
    Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 15 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Throttle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/throttle. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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