check - Definition & Meaning | Lingo Dictionary

to check

Third Person

checks

Present Participle

checking

Past Tense

checked

Past Participle

checked

to keep something bad under control in order to prevent deterioration or to slow down its spread or development

transitive

He wrapped a bandage tightly around his sprained ankle to check the swelling.
The vaccine was administered to check the spread of the virus.
The doctor recommended medication to check the progression of the illness.
The government wants to check inflation to ensure economic stability.
Adding preservatives to the food helps check bacterial growth.

Synonyms:

delay retard

to discover information about something or someone by looking, asking, or investigating

transitive

I'll check the weather forecast to see if it's going to rain tomorrow.
Let me check the train schedule to find the next available departure.
I think the store closes at 8 PM, but I'll check their website for the exact hours.
He checked the menu to decide what to order for dinner.
Before the meeting, we should check the agenda to know what topics will be discussed.

Synonyms:

go over check out look into check into check up on suss out check over

to mark an item or option with a cross, circle, etc. in a form, survey, exam paper, etc.

transitive

You can check the boxes next to the items you wish to purchase.
Don't forget to check the box if you want to receive email updates.
Students are reminded to check the correct answers on their test papers.
To complete your registration, check the box to agree to the terms and conditions.
Please check the appropriate box to indicate your dietary preferences.

Synonyms:

mark off tick off check off tick mark

to leave one's baggage, coat, etc. in a designated place while visiting a restaurant, bar, etc.

transitive

Let's check our bags at the coat check before heading into the theater.
We should check our jackets so we can dine comfortably.
The hostess asked, "May I take your umbrella to check?"
Before dining, we checked our backpacks at the restaurant's coatroom.
You can check your belongings with the attendant at the nightclub.

used to make someone become aware of, pay attention to, or focus on something

transitive

Hey, check these photos from our trip; they came out great!
You should check this book; it's an interesting read.
Hey, check this!It's a new gadget I just bought
Check this new painting I just finished!

to be confirmed as accurate or true, typically used in negative statements

His alibi didn't check, so he was considered a suspect in the robbery case.
The witness's testimony didn't check with the evidence presented in court.
The data from the experiment didn't check, raising doubts about its validity.
The witness's account checked with the security camera footage, confirming the suspect's innocence.
The explanation he gave for his absence just doesn't check; there are inconsistencies in his story.

Synonyms:

check out

(in chess) to threaten the opponent's king with capture

transitive

The knight's move checked the king's position.
I need to find a way to check the opponent's king and protect my own.
She moved her knight to check the opponent's king.
The rook's move allowed him to check the king and gain a strategic advantage.
She realized her mistake when her opponent checked her king.

to pass the action to the next player without making a bet, when there has been no previous bet in the current betting round

In poker, if you have a weak hand, you can check instead of betting.
He decided to check to see if the next card improved his hand.
When it was her turn, she chose to check rather than raise.
If everyone at the table checks, the next community card is revealed.
The player with the best hand may choose to check to induce others to bet.

(in ice hockey) to use one's body or stick to block or hinder an opponent's progress or play

transitive

He used his stick to check the opponent's advance and regain possession of the puck.
She used her body to check the opponent off balance and gain control of the puck.
The forward tried to check the opposing player along the boards.

to suddenly slow down or stop, usually because of caution, uncertainty, or fear

The driver had to check the car when a deer suddenly appeared on the road.
The horse checked its pace as it approached the unfamiliar terrain.
The aircraft's warning system caused it to check its descent.
The sudden noise made him check in his tracks.

Synonyms:

contain turn back arrest hold back stop

(of dogs) to stop momentarily to verify or reacquire a scent during tracking or hunting

The bloodhound checked at the crossroads, ensuring it was still on the trail of the escaped convict.
The tracking dog expertly checked for the scent of the missing child in the dense forest.
The scent was faint, so the coonhound frequently checked to stay on the raccoon's trail.

(of trained hawks) to abandon its original prey and pursue a different target

The falconer watched in amazement as his hawk suddenly checked and darted after a different bird.
During the hunt, the hawk's ability to check and adapt to changing prey made it a valuable asset to the falconer.
The hawk's sharp instincts allowed it to check and switch targets swiftly, making it an efficient hunter.
In mid-flight, the hawk decided to check and pursue a more suitable prey that had appeared in its field of vision.

to temporarily release tension or pressure on a rope and then secure it once more

transitive

The climbing guide demonstrated how to check the rope securely to prevent any dangerous slips during the ascent.
The experienced rock climber knew when to check the rope to ensure a smoother descent.
As the hiker reached a tricky section, they needed to check the rope to avoid getting stuck.
The mountaineer carefully checked the rope while navigating a challenging crevasse.
The climber decided to check the rope briefly to adjust their position before continuing the ascent.

to cause cracks to form in a material, particularly wood or timber, due to certain conditions or exposure

transitive

The intense heat and sunlight began to check the wooden fence, resulting in visible cracks.
Wooden furniture left outdoors without protection will likely check and deteriorate over time.
Over time, the sun can check the paint on outdoor furniture, leading to peeling and cracking.
The sun can check timber over time, making it crack and split.
The extreme heat during the summer can check the asphalt on the road, causing cracks.

Synonyms:

chink

to create a pattern of small, often square-shaped marks or designs on a fabric or material

transitive

She decided to check the tablecloth with a classic gingham pattern.
The artist used a fine brush to check the fabric with intricate squares.
The tailor carefully checked the woolen suit for a subtle plaid pattern.
She used a stencil to check the fabric with a delightful floral pattern.
To give the scarf a unique look, she chose to check it with a grid of small dots.

Synonyms:

chequer checker