check

[[t]tʃe̱k[/t]]

♦♦

checks, checking, checked

1) VERB If you check something such as a piece of information or a document, you make sure that it is correct or satisfactory.

→ See also cross-check

[V n] Check the accuracy of everything in your CV...

[V n] It's worth checking each item for obvious flaws...

I think there is an age limit, but I'd have to check...

[V wh] She hadn't checked whether she had a clean ironed shirt...

[V that] He checked that he had his room key...

[V with n] I shall need to check with the duty officer.

N-COUNT: usu with supp

Check is also a noun.

He is being constantly monitored with regular checks on his blood pressure. ...a security check.

2) VERB If you check on someone or something, you make sure they are in a safe or satisfactory condition.

[V on n] Stephen checked on her several times during the night...

[V on n] He decided to check on things at the warehouse.

3) VERB If you check something that is written on a piece of paper, you put a mark, like a V with the right side extended, next to it to show that something is correct or has been selected or dealt with. [AM]

[V n] Frequently, men who check answer (b) have not actually had the experience of being repeatedly rejected by women.

(in BRIT, usually use tick)

4) VERB To check something, usually something bad, means to stop it from spreading or continuing.

[V n] Sex education is also expected to help check the spread of AIDS.

[V n] ...free press that will check corruption by ensuring total transparency in government.

Syn:

curb

5) VERB If you check yourself or if something checks you, you suddenly stop what you are doing or saying.

[V pron-refl] He was about to lose his temper but checked himself in time...

[V n] I held up one finger to check him.

6) VERB When you check your luggage at an airport, you give it to an official so that it can be taken on to your plane.

[V n] We arrived at the airport, checked our baggage and wandered around the gift shops...

[V n prep/adv] You can check your baggage right through to its final destination.

PHRASAL VERB

To check in your luggage means the same as to check it.

Also V n P V P n (not pron) They checked in their luggage and found seats in the departure lounge.

7) N-COUNT The check in a restaurant is a piece of paper on which the price of your meal is written and which you are given before you pay. [mainly AM]

Syn:

bill

8) CONVENTION In a game of chess, you say check when you are attacking your opponent's king.

9) N-COUNT: oft N n A pattern of squares, usually of two colours, can be referred to as checks or a check.

Styles include stripes and checks.

...a red and white check dress.

10) PHRASE: V inflects If something or someone is held in check or is kept in check, they are controlled and prevented from becoming too great or powerful.

Life on Earth will become unsustainable unless population growth is held in check...

He's found someone with a bit of fight to keep him in check.

11) → See also , double-check, , spot check

Phrasal Verbs:

- check in

- check off

- check out

- check up