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 Another firefighter told investigators Lewin also choked the patient after jabbing his eyes. Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 27 Apr. 2026 Use only a light sprinkle of dry seeds; consuming too many can cause choking or intestinal blockages. Sohaib Imtiaz, Verywell Health, 27 Apr. 2026 Jurors then heard sounds of banging and choking and Athena screaming and crying, per the Star-Telegram. Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 27 Apr. 2026 How about allegedly choking a live-in chef? Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 26 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for choke
Recent Examples of Synonyms for choke
Verb
  • Nearly a month later, not far from Hot Skates and near the Long Island Rail Road tracks, Theresa's body was discovered, beaten, raped and strangled, buried under a pile of leaves and wooden shipping pallets.
    Mary Murphy, CBS News, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Also, Meatball’s Keystone Kops never checked to see if his DNA appeared on the strap that was used to strangle her with.
    Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 26 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Coco Gauff has advanced to the fourth round of the Madrid Open despite falling ill and vomiting on court.
    ABC News, ABC News, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Luke Sapolu testified that Pulido vomited while in custody hours before the attack.
    City News Service, Oc Register, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Buffalo’s forecheck was suffocating.
    Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
  • The Broncos went 15-4 last year, testing the expiration dates on miracle finishes, while suffocating opponents with a relentless defense.
    Troy Renck, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Gas prices can vary widely, even from block to block.
    Liz Knueven, CNBC, 2 May 2026
  • Heavy encrustations of golden mussels have blocked pipes in municipal and industrial water intakes, which has necessitated costly biofouling removal.
    Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 1 May 2026
Verb
  • This game had everything — but seemingly no one could anticipate the New York Knicks would throttle the Hawks by 51 points (140-89) in a Game 6 that already had the latter team on the ropes.
    Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026
  • Edmonton showed off its postseason poise in Game 5, throttling the Ducks in a 4-1 victory and putting the onus on their inexperienced opponents to finish off the series.
    Greg Beacham, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
Verb
  • Maden and Algerio charged Brown with resisting arrest and obstructing governmental administration.
    Sheetal Banchariya, New York Daily News, 28 Apr. 2026
  • The Justice Department charged Comey with making false statements and obstructing justice in connection with his testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee in 2020.
    Carrie Johnson, NPR, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Though the third installment of the fest has been cut down from 11 days to six, the amount of talent jammed into that week doesn’t appear to have slimmed down much at all.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Today’s stars go to war with haters, but Dylan takes aim at venerators, seeking to jam the gears of a hagiography machine that’s been clanking and wheezing since 1962.
    New York Times, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Choke.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/choke. Accessed 3 May. 2026.

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