The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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choke

verb

/tʃoʊk/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of choke

To experience a blockage or obstruction in the throat or airway, leading to difficulty in breathing.
"The thick fog seemed to choke the city streets."

Detailed meaning of choke

It can occur due to physical factors, such as food or an object getting lodged in the windpipe, or due to physiological conditions that cause constriction of the air passages. 'Choke' can also describe the action of squeezing or compressing something tightly, often to the point of causing discomfort or restriction. In a figurative sense, 'choke' can mean to feel overwhelmed, stifled, or overwhelmed by emotion or a situation. It implies a sense of being constricted or unable to express oneself freely. Additionally, 'choke' is used in the context of sports to describe the inability to perform effectively under pressure, often resulting in a significant decline in performance or failure to achieve desired outcomes. Overall, 'choke' involves a blockage or constriction physically, metaphorically, or within the realm of sports performance.

Example sentences containing choke

1. The wrestler attempted to choke his opponent during the match.
2. The smoke from the fire began to choke the room.
3. The tight collar around his neck made him choke.
4. She couldn't help but choke on her laughter.
5. The child accidentally swallowed a piece of candy and started to choke.
6. The strong emotions choked her voice.

History and etymology of choke

The verb 'choke' has an etymology rooted in both Old English and Old Norse. In Old English, it was 'ceocian,' and in Old Norse, it was 'koka,' both meaning 'to choke' or 'to strangle.' These ancestral words share a common Germanic origin, reflecting the early understanding of the sensation of choking. The term 'choke' carries with it the imagery of a blockage or obstruction in the throat or airway that hinders the flow of air, leading to difficulty in breathing. Its etymology highlights the historical awareness of this distressing condition and the need for a word to describe it. Today, 'choke' is not only used in the context of physical obstruction but also metaphorically to describe situations or emotions that feel suffocating or overwhelming, maintaining the link between its etymology and its broader meanings.

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Further usage examples of choke

1. His fear of heights caused him to choke when he looked down.
2. The spicy food made him choke on his words.
3. The lack of air in the confined space made him choke.
4. The news was so shocking that it made him choke on his coffee.
5. The thick dust in the old attic made him choke.
6. The unpleasant smell in the room made her choke.
7. The overwhelming grief choked her heart.
8. The tight grip around her throat made her choke.
9. The smog in the polluted city made it hard to breathe, choking the residents.
10. The swimmer accidentally swallowed water and began to choke.
11. The toxic fumes from the factory choked the surrounding neighborhood.
12. The emotions overwhelmed her, causing her to choke on her tears.
13. The suspense in the movie made the audience choke on their popcorn.
14. She began to choke on a piece of popcorn during the movie.
15. The dense smoke made it hard to breathe; I felt myself choke.
16. Swallowing too quickly, he started to choke on his water.
17. As the dust cloud enveloped us, I couldn't help but choke.
18. Panic set in as I felt my throat tighten and choke me.
19. The spicy food made me choke, reaching for my water glass.
20. His laughter caused me to choke on the sip of tea I had.
21. In the silence, you could hear him softly choke on his tears.
22. She tried to speak, but emotion caused her to choke up.
23. The thick fog seemed to choke the life out of the city.