Synonyms for

Choke

Verb / tʃəʊk / Another word for choke — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to have difficulty breathing because of something blocking the throat or windpipe

Synonyms & similar words

Synonyms by register

Antonyms

Common collocations

  • choke on food
  • choke with rage
  • choke up with emotion
  • choke back tears
  • choke the life out of
  • choke the engine
  • choke the competition

Word family

noun choke
verb choke
adjective choking

Usage note

The verb 'choke' can refer to literal obstruction of breathing or to being overwhelmed by emotion. 'Choke up' is a common phrasal verb for becoming unable to speak due to emotion.

Example sentences

  1. He choked on a grape and had to be given the Heimlich maneuver.
  2. The smoke from the fire made me choke.
  3. I was so nervous during the speech, I felt like I was going to choke.
  4. The car's engine choked and sputtered.
  5. The weeds were choking the flowers out of existence.

Quotes

  • I'm not afraid to die, but I'm in no hurry to choke.
  • I choke on my own words.
  • The tears choked her voice.

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