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 Aimed at both fresh and saltwater kayak fishing, the base Force Current trolling motor package comes with a simple wireless remote control that lets users easily throttle and steer without having to physically turn around and grab hold of the tiller. New Atlas, 25 Aug. 2025 Volcker’s willingness to inflict pain on the economy to throttle inflation is seen by most economists as a key example of the value of an independent Fed. Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 22 Aug. 2025 The White House could throttle federal funding for the upcoming World Cup and Olympic games, or even slow walk fire recovery assistance. Douglas Schoen, Oc Register, 14 Aug. 2025 Although the riots swiftly died down after the initial spasm of outrage, many on the British right criticized the government’s response as heavy-handed, designed to throttle conservative views. Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for throttle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for throttle
Verb
  • In the clip, the pair execute the moves to the song’s post-chorus, before a bonnet-wearing Colbert pretends to choke on something, causing Gaga to erupt in laughter.
    Stephen Daw, Billboard, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Luckily, the police department had recently brought in a CPR specialist who taught officers how to save choking children.
    Abigail Adams, PEOPLE, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • This preserves development velocity while preventing the entropy that eventually strangles the innovation vibe coding enables.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Clark helped the Cowboys slow down last year’s rushing champion, Saquon Barkley, in a 24-20 loss at Philadelphia, while Parsons helped the Packers strangle a Detroit Lions offense that was among the NFL’s best last season in a 27-13 victory.
    Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Throttle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/throttle. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.

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