noun / verb
check
An action that restrains further movement.
The new barrier checks the spread of the floodwater.
Etymology
The Persian word for king entered English through chess, where check threatens the king. That forced interruption broadened into restraining or stopping movement in other situations.
More examples
- Keep spending in check.
- Her rook puts the opposing king in check.
- He checked the king with his bishop.
Forms
check · checks · checked · checking
Similar words
- restraint
- More directly identifies a limit on movement or action.