check
verb
uk/tʃek/ us [ I or T ]
to make certain that something or someone is correct, safe, or suitable, for example by examining it or them, or by asking someone:
When the shipment arrived, she checked to make sure nothing was broken.
A security officer checked our bags at the entrance to the building.
I'd like to check my bank balance, please.
check on sth The supervisor will check on your progress next week.
check (sth) for sth Always check your reports for spelling errors before you hand them in.
check (sth) with sb Please could you check the figures with the sales manager?
check that Check that you have all the necessary documentation before you travel.
Compare
double-check
[ T ]
to prevent something from increasing or continuing:
Our first priority is to control public spending and check inflation.
We tried to check the spread of the rumour that the company was being sold.
[ T ]
to leave something with someone at a particular place, so that they can take care of it for a short time, or so it can be put on a plane or train:
Please check your coats at the coatroom prior to the meeting.
He checked his baggage as soon as he got to the airport.
These articles may only be carried in checked baggage.
[ T ]
to make a mark next to an item on a list, or to click on a checkbox on a computer screen in order to make a choice:
Please check the box above to agree to our terms and conditions.
See also
tick noun
[ I ]
if information checks, it makes it likely that other information is true:
check with sth Her statement checks with most of the eye-witness reports.
Phrasal verbs
check in/check into sth
check sth in
check sth off
check on sb/sth
check out
check out (of sth)
check sth out
check
noun [ C ]
uk/tʃek/ us BANKING US
→ cheque
→ check mark :
Put a check beside each item that you wish to order.
See also
tick noun
an examination of something in order to make certain that it is correct or the way that it should be:
give sth a check Give the invoice another check before you seal the carton.
carry out/do a check (on/of sth) They carried out a check of all the electrical equipment.
regular/routine check A regular check is done on all our equipment.
quick/thorough check All these documents will need a thorough check before you send them off.
keep a check on sth It's my job to keep a check on stock levels.
Security checks at airports have become very strict.
an examination of somebody to see if they are healthy or have a medical problem:
health/medical check Purchasers of the policy will be required to undergo a medical check.
COMMERCE US (UK bill)
a piece of paper given to you when you have finished eating at a restaurant, showing how much money you owe:
Can we have the check, please?
something that stops something else from increasing or getting worse:
keep a check on sth The new administration is expected to keep a tight check on inflation.
act/serve as a check on sth These controls are designed to act as a check on fraud.
hold/keep sth in check
to put a limit on something so that it does not increase or become worse:
We must find ways of keeping our expenditure in check.
checks and balances
GOVERNMENT
rules intended to prevent one person or group from having too much power within a country or an organization:
A system of checks and balances exists to ensure that our government is truly democratic.
Many executives amassed enormous power by ignoring the normal checks and balances of the financial world.
See also
background check
credit check
sales check
spot check