check

n.

1. An order on a bank

   money order, draft, letter of credit, traveler's check, bank check, teller's check, cashier's check, counter check, note, remittance, deposition; see also draft 5, money 1.

2. A restraint

   control, limit, curb, rein; see restraint 2.

3. An examination

   test, inspection, investigation, analysis; see comparison 1, examination 1, 3, test.

4. The symbol√

   cross, ex, sign, line, stroke, score, dot; see also mark 1.

5. A pattern in squares

   tartan, patchwork, quilt, diaper, checkered design, checkerboard, houndstooth check; see also plaid.

6. A reversal

   rebuff, obstruction, trouble; see defeat 3, impediment 1.

in check

check

v.

1. To slacken the pace

   curb, hinder, impede, arrest, moderate, obstruct, reduce, slacken, stay, restrain, choke, bottleneck, cause a bottleneck, deadlock, slow down, block, withhold, weaken, lessen, brake, keep back, cog, anchor, rein in; see also halt 2, hinder.

   Antonyms speed, hasten*, urge on.

2. To bring under control

   bridle, repress, inhibit, control, curb, restrain, checkmate, counteract, discourage, repulse, neutralize, bar, suppress, squelch, rebuff, snub; see also restrain 1.

   Antonyms liberate*, advance*, encourage. *

3. To determine accuracy

   review, monitor, examine, inspect, verify, validate, balance accounts, balance the books, keep account of, correct, compare, find out, investigate, count, tell, call the roll, take account of, take stock, double-check, go through, go over with a fine-toothed comb*; see also examine 1, verify.

4. To halt

   hold, terminate, cut short; see halt 2, stop 1.

5. To mark

   indicate, tick, tick off, stamp; see mark 1, 2. See syn. study at restrain.