check

a written order directing a bank to pay money; "he paid all his bills by check"

an appraisal of the state of affairs; "they made an assay of the contents"; "a check on its dependability under stress"

the bill in a restaurant; "he asked the waiter for the check"

the state of inactivity following an interruption; "the negotiations were in arrest"; "held them in check"; "during the halt he got some lunch"; "the momentary stay enabled him to escape the blow"; "he spent the entire stop in his seat"

additional proof that something that was believed (some fact or hypothesis or theory) is correct; "fossils provided further confirmation of the evolutionary theory"

the act of inspecting or verifying; "they made a check of their equipment"; "the pilot ran through the check-out procedure"

a mark indicating that something has been noted or completed etc.; "as he called the role he put a check mark by each student's name"

something immaterial that interferes with or delays action or progress

a mark left after a small piece has been chopped or broken off of something

a textile pattern of squares or crossed lines (resembling a checkerboard); "she wore a skirt with checks"

the act of restraining power or action or limiting excess; "his common sense is a bridle to his quick temper"

obstructing an opponent in ice hockey

(chess) a direct attack on an opponent's king

examine so as to determine accuracy, quality, or condition; "check the brakes"; "Check out the engine"

make an examination or investigation; "check into the rumor"; "check the time of the class"

be careful or certain to do something; make certain of something; "He verified that the valves were closed"; "See that the curtains are closed"; "control the quality of the product"

lessen the intensity of; temper; hold in restraint; hold or keep within limits; "moderate your alcohol intake"; "hold your tongue"; "hold your temper"; "control your anger"

stop for a moment, as if out of uncertainty or caution; "She checked for an instant and missed a step"

put a check mark on or near or next to; "Please check each name on the list"; "tick off the items"; "mark off the units"

slow the growth or development of; "The brain damage will retard the child's language development"

be verified or confirmed; pass inspection; "These stories don't check!"

be compatible, similar or consistent; coincide in their characteristics; "The two stories don't agree in many details"; "The handwriting checks with the signature on the check"; "The suspect's fingerprints don't match those on the gun"

block or impede (a player from the opposing team) in ice hockey

develop (children's) behavior by instruction and practice; especially to teach self-control; "Parents must discipline their children"; "Is this dog trained?"

consign for shipment on a vehicle; "check your luggage before boarding"

hand over something to somebody as for temporary safekeeping; "Check your coat at the door"

abandon the intended prey, turn, and pursue an inferior prey

stop in a chase especially when scent is lost; "The dog checked"

mark into squares or draw squares on; draw crossed lines on

decline to initiate betting

hold back, as of a danger or an enemy; check the expansion or influence of; "Arrest the downward trend"; "Check the growth of communism in South East Asia"; "Contain the rebel movement"; "Turn back the tide of communism"

place into check; "He checked my kings"

write out a check on a bank account

find out, learn, or determine with certainty, usually by making an inquiry or other effort; "I want to see whether she speaks French"; "See whether it works"; "find out if he speaks Russian"; "Check whether the train leaves on time"

verify by consulting a source or authority; "check the spelling of this word"; "check your facts"

arrest the motion (of something) abruptly; "He checked the flow of water by shutting off the main valve"

make cracks or chinks in; "The heat checked the paint"

become fractured; break or crack on the surface only; "The glass cracked when it was heated"