Synonyms for
Choking
Definition
To have difficulty breathing because of something blocking the throat or airway.
Synonyms & similar words
kickthebucket
fret
conk
buythefarm
choke
gag
throttling
chokeoff
perish
exit
passaway
asphyxiate
popoff
throttle
strangulation
suffocate
clog
clogup
cashinoneschips
strangle
die
go
pass
beborn
unclog
suffocating
gagging
strangling
smothering
asphyxiating
stifling
throttling
suffocative
choked
throttled
strangled
gagged
smothered
asphyxiated
suffocated
throttled
obstructed
constricted
compressed
Synonyms by register
Formal
Antonyms
Common collocations
- choking hazard
- choking on food
- choking sensation
- choking back tears
- choking to death
- choking dust
- choking fumes
Word family
Usage note
The word 'choking' often implies a severe obstruction of the airway, leading to difficulty breathing. It can also be used metaphorically to describe being overwhelmed or suppressed.
Example sentences
- He was choking on a piece of steak.
- The smoke was so thick she was choking.
- I was choking on my laughter while trying to keep a straight face.
- The baby was choking on a toy.
- She was choking back tears as she delivered the news.
Quotes
'Horrors!' cried Mr. Bumble, recoiling at the thought of being the victim of such a mistake. 'Mr. Sowerberry would go mad with delight; and the parish would workhouse would be in a blaze.' At the very moment when he exclaimed, 'The boy is worth a hundred pounds, Oliver had begun to run away; deciding, in his own mind, that he would rather old the Choleric gentleman in the game, if possible, than throw any fresh light on the subject just then.' - Oliver Twist, Charles Dickens
'I'm choking,' gasped Mr. Cruncher, 'don't go and tell me that you have nothing to do with it. I'll do anything to put you in the wrong.' - A Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens
'We must take care,' said the unsocial philosopher, 'not to be choked with our own bile.' - The Cask of Amontillado, Edgar Allan Poe