choke
5 synonyms and 0 antonyms for choke, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To be unable to breathe because something is blocking the throat or windpipe.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use choke
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English āceocian ("to choke"), likely related to Old English ċēoce ("jaw, cheek").
Full origin of choke →Frequently asked questions
What does “choke” mean?
The word “choke” means to be unable to breathe because something is blocking the throat or windpipe. In plain terms, to be blocked from breathing, to strangle someone, or to fail badly under pressure.
How do you pronounce “choke”?
“Choke” is pronounced chohk (/t͡ʃoʊk/ in IPA).
How do you use “choke” in a sentence?
Here is “choke” used in a sentence: “He started to choke on a piece of steak that went down the wrong way.”
What part of speech is “choke”?
Depending on how it is used, “choke” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “choke” come from?
The word “choke” comes from Old English. From Old English āceocian ("to choke"), likely related to Old English ċēoce ("jaw, cheek").
Is “choke” a common word?
“Choke” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “choke” have?
“Choke” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to be unable to breathe because something is blocking the throat or windpipe.
What is the difference between choke and gag?
Choke describes being unable to breathe because the throat or windpipe is blocked, which can be a serious, sometimes life-threatening event. Gag is a milder, often reflexive reaction to something touching the back of the throat and does not necessarily involve a real blockage of the airway.
What does it mean to choke in sports or under pressure?
In this sense, choke means to perform badly at a crucial moment, especially when victory seems close, due to nerves or pressure. It is commonly used informally in sports commentary to describe a collapse in performance at a decisive point.
What is a choke on a car or engine?
A choke is a valve that adjusts the fuel-air mixture in an engine, particularly to help it start when cold. Older vehicles often had a manual choke control, though most modern engines now handle this automatically.
Is choke used to mean strangle?
Yes, choke can mean to squeeze someone's throat so they cannot breathe, which is a distinct, more violent sense from simply being unable to breathe due to a blockage. Context usually makes clear whether the choking is accidental or deliberate.