verb
To be unable to breathe because food or another object is stuck in your throat.
The child choked on a grape.
I started to choke on my sandwich.
Common phrases & grammar
start to choke · choke on food
subject + choke on + food/object
American English
How to pronounce choke
verbB1Common word
CHOHK
/ʧoʊk̚/
One syllable.
To be unable to breathe because food or another object is stuck in your throat.
Practice out loudMeanings & examples
verb
To stop someone from breathing by blocking their throat or pressing on their neck.
The attacker tried to choke him.
The tight collar was choking her.
Common phrases & grammar
subject + choke + person
verbinformal
To fail suddenly because you are nervous, especially in a game, test, or performance.
He choked in the final.
I knew the answer, but I choked during the interview.
Good to know
This use is informal and is common in sports and competitions.
Common phrases & grammar
choke in the final
subject + choke under pressure
subject + choke in + game/test
Useful expressions
To become unable to speak clearly because you feel a strong emotion.
He choked up while thanking his parents.
To try hard not to cry.
She choked back tears during the farewell.
Related words & forms
Before -ing, drop the final e: choking, not chokeing.