choke
To stop breathing because something is blocking your throat, like a piece of food.
To be unable to breathe because something is stuck in your throat or it is blocked.
To do poorly at something important, like a test or a sports game, because you are very nervous.
To fail to perform effectively in a crucial situation because of nervousness or pressure.
To squeeze someone's neck very hard so they cannot breathe.
To press on someone's throat to stop them from breathing; to strangle.
To fill a pipe, road, or other space so that nothing can move through it.
To fill or block a passage, channel, or space, preventing movement through it.
To feel like you can't speak because you are about to cry or are very angry.
To be unable to speak or breathe normally because of a strong emotion like sadness, anger, or fear.
A part in some engines, like on a lawnmower, that you use to help it start when it's cold.
A valve in a carburetor that reduces the amount of air in the fuel-air mixture, used to help start a cold engine.
- Base: choke
- Plural: chokes
- Base: choke
- 3rd Person Singular: chokes
- Present Participle: choking
- Past: choked
choke [something] down
1force yourself to swallow
To make yourself swallow something that is difficult to eat or drink because it tastes bad, is dry, or you feel sick.
- The medicine tasted awful, but I managed to choke it down with some water.
- He was so full he could barely choke down another bite of the huge burger.
- Figuratively, she had to choke down her pride and apologize for her mistake.
choke back
1suppress tears or emotions
To try very hard to stop yourself from showing a strong feeling, like crying or anger.
- She managed to choke back her tears and finish her presentation.
- He choked back a sob as he said his final goodbye.
- It was difficult to choke back his anger at the unfair decision.
choke up
1get emotional and unable to speak
To become so emotional, usually because of sadness or gratitude, that it is difficult for you to talk.
- He started to choke up while giving the speech at his daughter's wedding.
- I always choke up when I watch the end of that movie.
- She choked up a little when they gave her the retirement gift.