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 Your internet provider will not tell you when data throttling occurs, but ISP throttling is common when more people are online. Kara McGinley, USA Today, 11 June 2025 Providers are allowed to throttle your internet speed. Kara McGinley, USA Today, 11 June 2025 In addition to his interception, Gonzalez throttled some of the Patriots' receivers early in their routes during 11-on-11s and bottled up DeMario Douglas on a couple reps. Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 10 June 2025 The Thunder throttled the Pacers on Sunday to pull the finals even at one win apiece, which marks the first time Indiana hasn’t held a 2-0 series lead during these playoffs. Joe Vardon, New York Times, 9 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for throttle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for throttle
Verb
  • For more than a minute, audio captures the sounds of a struggle: grunting, choking.
    Miguel Torres, AZCentral.com, 3 July 2025
  • As a result, millions more children and vulnerable people will be forced to choke on toxic fumes while manufacturing executives pour more money into dying steel plants.
    MSNBC Newsweek, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • At one point, her former sweetheart tried to leap from his chair to strangle her.
    Mara Bovsun, New York Daily News, 28 June 2025
  • Tania Thomas, 47, was strangled to death in July 2024 during a multi-day conjugal visit with husband Anthony Desean Curry.
    Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 12 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Throttle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/throttle. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

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