drosseln

The German word "drosseln" is a verb meaning "to throttle," "to reduce," or "to curb" (usually in the context of controlling or limiting speed, flow, or intensity).

It is derived from "Drossel," which means "throttle" or "throttle valve"—a device used to control the flow of a fluid or air.

Similar words:

• begrenzen (to limit)
• reduzieren (to reduce)
• senken (to lower)
• dämpfen (to dampen)

Difference:

• drosseln implies an active control to slow down or restrict the intensity, often gradually (e.g. throttling a motor’s engine speed), whereas begrenzen or reduzieren can be more general and often refer to setting a fixed limit or cutting down.
• Dämpfen usually refers to softening or muffling rather than limiting flow or speed.