English · Word Candidate

choke

/t͡ʃəʊk/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: chokes · choking · choked

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To be unable to breathe because of obstruction of the windpipe (for instance food or other objects that go down the wrong way, or fumes or particles in the air that cause the throat to constrict).

Verb

Examples

Ever since he choked on a bone, he has refused to eat fish.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

To prevent (someone) from breathing or talking by strangling or filling the windpipe.

Verb

Examples

The collar of this shirt is too tight; it’s choking me.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

A control on a carburetor to adjust the air/fuel mixture when the engine is cold.

Noun

Examples

Bond leapt for the Bentley, blessing the impulse which had made him drive it over after dinner. With the choke full out, the engine answered at once to the starter and the roar drowned the faltering words of the commissionaire who jumped aside as the rear wheels whipped gravel at his piped trouser-l

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

In wrestling, karate (etc.), a type of hold that can result in strangulation.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “choke” mean?

To be unable to breathe because of obstruction of the windpipe (for instance food or other objects that go down the wrong way, or fumes or particles in the air that cause the throat to constrict).

Is “choke” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.