check

checkverb

To check is mainly to look at something closely to make sure about it; other senses mean marking something, handing it over to be kept, or stopping it.

1. make surelook at something carefully to find out whether it is correct, safe, or working properly

   transitive or intransitive [T/I] verb + object [V + obj] verb + that-clause [V + that] verb + wh-clause [V + wh]

   • Check your answers before you hand in the test. V + obj
   • Did you check the tires before the trip? V + obj
   • I'll go and check that the door is locked. V + that
   • Check whether the milk is still good. V + wh

   Collocations

   verb + noun check your work, check the spelling, check someone's passport

   verb + preposition check for mistakes, check for damage

   verb + adverb check carefully, check again

   Synonyms examine

   Compare see; examine

   For translators (sense 1)

   False friends In several languages a word like control means check. In English, control means have power over: an inspector checks tickets, not controls them.

2. find outlook at something or ask someone in order to find out a piece of information

   transitive or intransitive [T/I] verb + object [V + obj] verb + wh-clause [V + wh] verb + preposition + object [V + prep + obj]

   • Let me check my calendar. V + obj
   • I'll check with my manager and call you back. V + prep + obj
   • Can you check what time the store opens? V + wh

   Collocations

   verb + noun check your email, check the time, check the weather

   verb + preposition check with someone

3. markput a mark (✓) next to an item on a list or a form to show that it is correct or chosen

   British English usually uses tick for this sense.

   transitive [T] verb + object [V + obj] American

   • Check the box if you want to receive our newsletter. V + obj
   • Please check yes or no. V + obj

4. leave bagsgive bags or a coat to someone so that they can keep them for you or put them on a plane

   transitive [T] verb + object [V + obj]

   • We checked two bags at the airport. V + obj
   • You can check your coat at the door. V + obj

   Collocations

   verb + noun check a bag, check your luggage, check a coat

5. stopstop something from growing, spreading, or moving forward

   transitive [T] verb + object [V + obj] formal

   • The new rules helped to check the rise in prices. V + obj
   • She checked the urge to laugh. V + obj

See also check in (report that you have arrived at a hotel or an airport); check out (pay and leave a hotel)