choke
choke · verb
Definitions
verb
- 1.
To have difficulty breathing because the throat is blocked.
- 2.
A device that controls the air intake of an engine.
- 3.
To restrict someone's breathing by squeezing the throat.
- 4.
An act of choking.
- 5.
To fail to perform well under pressure.
- 6.
To suppress or stop.
Phrases & expressions
- •choke up — to become emotional and unable to speak
- •choke back — to suppress emotions
- •choke on one's words — to be unable to speak from emotion
- •choke artist — someone who fails under pressure
Related words
Etymology
From Old English "aceocian" meaning to suffocate, perhaps related to "ceoke" meaning cheek or jaw.