choke

Definition of chokenext
1
as in to strangle
to keep (someone) from breathing by exerting pressure on the windpipe let go of my throat—you're choking me!

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2
as in to vomit
to experience complete or partial blockage of the windpipe the recommended procedure for helping someone who is choking

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3
as in to suffocate
to be or cause to be killed by lack of breathable air thick, black smoke choked the trapped firefighters

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4

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of choke Fertilizer is also being choked by the closure of the strait. Garrett Downs, CNBC, 2 Apr. 2026 One individual was allegedly choked to near unconsciousness. Kiana Mickles, Pitchfork, 2 Apr. 2026 The woman told officers during an argument, Dickson pushed her into a dresser, choked her and slammed her head into the wall. Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2026 The pair have been in physical altercations in the past, including Manning's 2012 arrest for allegedly punching, scratching, kicking and choking Hartman – whom media outlets have referred to as Manning's former make-up artist and assistant – and slamming her head against the floor and wall. Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for choke
Recent Examples of Synonyms for choke
Verb
  • That’s a dynamic that strangled the labor market.
    Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 29 Mar. 2026
  • As of March 23, 2026, the global energy market is no longer governed by the invisible hand of economics; it is being strangled by the rigid, non-negotiable laws of engineering.
    Siddharth Misra, Fortune, 28 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • An oral rehydration solution typically used to treat dehydration from diarrhea or vomiting in children.
    Brandi Jones, Verywell Health, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Shortly after, Jack started vomiting and having seizures.
    Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The Wave have been suffocating teams defensively, and that continued on Saturday night, with Chicago not recording a shot until the 70th minute.
    Fernando Ramirez, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
  • Today, two small new volcanoes are growing out of its bay, and another one called Kolumbo — capable of producing fearsome tsunamis and clouds of suffocating gases — lurks underwater just offshore.
    Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 27 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The undrafted rookie blocked two shots in the final seconds to help the Sacramento Kings hold on for a 117-113 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans before a crowd of 15,422 at Golden 1 Center.
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 4 Apr. 2026
  • The strait has effectively blocked by Iran since the start of the war.
    Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • After a competitive first half, the Huskies throttled the Illini, 77-52.
    Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Pittsburgh throttled the Islanders on Monday, 8-3.
    Michael Guise, CBS News, 30 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Prosecutors said Insua’s view was obstructed by the cargo, a deckhouse and crane on the barge.
    David Goodhue, Sun Sentinel, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Full-palm tactile sensing allows the robot to continue manipulating objects even when cameras are obstructed or when precise force control is required, such as in assembly tasks.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 30 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Crowds also jammed the surrounding roads and beaches, reminiscent of the Apollo moonshots in the 1960s and ’70s.
    Marcia Dunn, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
  • After shooting Diller, Rivera pointed his gun at Rosen’s chest and pulled the trigger, but the gun jammed, prosecutors said.
    Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 2 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Choke.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/choke. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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