check meaning and definition

CHECK noun

Definition of check (noun)

1. a written order directing a bank to pay money
   • "he paid all his bills by check"
   • synonyms: bank check, cheque
2. an appraisal of the state of affairs
   • "they made an assay of the contents"; "a check on its dependability under stress"
   • synonyms: assay
3. the bill in a restaurant
   • "he asked the waiter for the check"
   • synonyms: chit, tab
4. 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"
   • synonyms: arrest, halt, hitch, stay, stop, stoppage
5. additional proof that something that was believed (some fact or hypothesis or theory) is correct
   • "fossils provided further confirmation of the evolutionary theory"
   • synonyms: confirmation, substantiation, verification
6. the act of inspecting or verifying
   • "they made a check of their equipment"; "the pilot ran through the check-out procedure"
   • synonyms: checkout, check-out procedure
7. 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"
   • synonyms: check mark, tick
8. something immaterial that interferes with or delays action or progress
   • synonyms: balk, baulk, deterrent, handicap, hinderance, hindrance, impediment
9. a mark left after a small piece has been chopped or broken off of something
   • synonyms: chip
10. a textile pattern of squares or crossed lines (resembling a checkerboard)
    • "she wore a skirt with checks"
11. the act of restraining power or action or limiting excess
    • "his common sense is a bridle to his quick temper"
    • synonyms: bridle, curb
12. obstructing an opponent in ice hockey
13. (chess) a direct attack on an opponent's king

CHECK verb

Definition of check (verb)

1. examine so as to determine accuracy, quality, or condition
   • "check the brakes"; "Check out the engine"
   • synonyms: check into, check out, check over, check up on, go over, look into, suss out
2. make an examination or investigation
   • "check into the rumor"; "check the time of the class"
3. 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"
   • synonyms: ascertain, assure, control, ensure, insure, see, see to it
4. 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"
   • synonyms: contain, control, curb, hold, hold in, moderate
5. stop for a moment, as if out of uncertainty or caution
   • "She checked for an instant and missed a step"
6. 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"
   • synonyms: check off, mark, mark off, tick, tick off
7. slow the growth or development of
   • "The brain damage will retard the child's language development"
   • synonyms: delay, retard
8. be verified or confirmed; pass inspection
   • "These stories don't check!"
   • synonyms: check out
9. 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"
   • synonyms: agree, correspond, fit, gibe, jibe, match, tally
   • antonym: disaccord
10. block or impede (a player from the opposing team) in ice hockey
11. develop (children's) behavior by instruction and practice; especially to teach self-control
    • "Parents must discipline their children"; "Is this dog trained?"
    • synonyms: condition, discipline, train
12. consign for shipment on a vehicle
    • "check your luggage before boarding"
13. hand over something to somebody as for temporary safekeeping
    • "Check your coat at the door"
14. abandon the intended prey, turn, and pursue an inferior prey
15. stop in a chase especially when scent is lost
    • "The dog checked"
16. mark into squares or draw squares on; draw crossed lines on
    • synonyms: checker, chequer
17. decline to initiate betting
18. 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"
    • synonyms: arrest, contain, hold back, stop, turn back
19. place into check
    • "He checked my kings"
20. write out a check on a bank account
21. 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"
    • synonyms: ascertain, determine, find out, learn, see, watch
22. verify by consulting a source or authority
    • "check the spelling of this word"; "check your facts"
23. arrest the motion (of something) abruptly
    • "He checked the flow of water by shutting off the main valve"
24. make cracks or chinks in
    • "The heat checked the paint"
    • synonyms: chink
25. become fractured; break or crack on the surface only
    • "The glass cracked when it was heated"
    • synonyms: break, crack