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

croak expire fret pass die strangle conk clog decease congest go throttle exit suffocate unclog asphyxiate gag foul stifle perish scrag strangle suffocate gag throttle smother stifle asphyxiate suffice block clog congest jam plug obstruct stuff stop bar close seal shut

Synonyms by register

Formal

suffocate strangle asphyxiate stifle

Informal

gag choke up croak

Literary

constrict suffocate stifle

Antonyms

breathe inspire exhale release loosen free

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.

Compare "choke" with another word →

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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