choke

choke [chōk]

vt.

choked, choking [ME choken, aphetic < OE vt. aceocian, to choke, prob. < base of ceoke, jaw, CHEEK]

1. to prevent from breathing by blocking the windpipe or squeezing the throat of; strangle; suffocate; smother; stifle

2. to block up; obstruct by clogging

3. to hinder the growth or action of; smother; suppress

4. to fill up

5. to cut off some air from the carburetor of (a gasoline engine) in order to make a richer gasoline mixture

☆ 6. to hold (a bat, golf club, etc.) away from the end of the handle and closer toward the middle

vi.

1. to be suffocated; have difficulty in breathing

2. to be blocked up; be obstructed

3. to become strained with emotion [a choked voice]

4. Informal to be unable to perform efficiently, as in a sporting event, because of tension, strong emotion, etc.

n.

1. the act of choking; strangulation

2. a sound of choking

3. the valve that chokes a carburetor

4. a constriction, as in a chokebore

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choke back

to hold back (feelings, sobs, etc.)

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choke down

to swallow with difficulty

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choke off

to bring to an end; end the growth of

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choke up

1. to block up; clog

2. to fill too full

3. CHOKE (vt. 6): often with on

☆ 4. Informal to be unable to speak, act efficiently, etc., as because of fear, strong emotion, tension, etc.