CHOKE | Definition and Meaning

Definition of Choke

Choke

choke

Definition/Meaning

(verb)

to struggle with breathing normally due to one's throat being blocked or compressed or due to a lack of breathable air, or to thus cause someone to struggle with breathing;

e.g. The child started to choke when a piece of food got stuck in her throat. The poisonous gas started to choke them by making their throats swell.

(verb)

broadly, to prevent something from happening or developing, for example to block some activity or process or to slow a plant's growth by not giving it enough space, nutrients, or resources;

e.g. The city officials tried to choke criminal activities by setting a curfew. Poor sunlight can choke a plant and prevent it from growing.

(verb)

to completely fill a space in a way that makes some movement or activity difficult or impossible;

e.g. The cars start to choke the road as people leave for their offices in the morning.

(verb)

to be overcome with strong emotion and become unable to do something such as perform well or speak, or to cause someone to become thus overcome;

e.g. His kindness made her choke up and cry with happiness.

(noun)

the action of struggling to breathe due to a lack of breathable air or a constriction of the throat, or the sound made by a person or animal doing this;

e.g. The animal's choke was caused by it swallowing too big an object. He gave a small choke when the object got stuck in his throat.

(noun)

a valve or knob that controls the amount of air mixing with the fuel in an engine, especially in order to reduce the amount of air when the engine is starting up;

e.g. She repaired the choke of the motorcycle so that it could start efficiently.