full-throttle
|full-throt-tle|
🇺🇸
/fʊl ˈθrɑtəl/
🇬🇧
/fʊl ˈθrɒt(ə)l/
maximum power/speed
Etymology
'full-throttle' originates from a modern English compound of 'full' + 'throttle', where 'full' comes from Old English 'full' meaning 'filled' or 'complete', and 'throttle' comes from Old English related forms for 'throat' and later a valve controlling flow.
'throttle' changed from Old English forms (e.g. Old English þrotl/related words) to Middle English 'throtel' and eventually the modern English 'throttle'; 'full-throttle' is formed in Modern English by compounding 'full' and 'throttle' to indicate a throttle set fully open or, figuratively, maximum effort.
Initially it referred to the physical position of a throttle or valve being fully open; over time the compound 'full-throttle' acquired the broader figurative meaning 'with maximum speed, power, or intensity.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the state or position of a throttle (or power setting) being fully open; figuratively, a condition of maximum effort or intensity.
With the engine at full-throttle, the boat surged forward.
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Verb 1
to make (something) operate at maximum power or speed; to push (someone or something) to full capacity.
He full-throttled the engine to pass the truck.
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Adjective 1
operating or done at maximum speed, power, or intensity.
They launched a full-throttle marketing campaign.
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Adverb 1
with maximum effort, speed, or intensity.
After the break, the team went full-throttle.
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Last updated: 2025/11/08 21:22