First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1choke
verb \ˈchōk\
: to become unable to breathe usually because something gets stuck in your throat or because the air is not good for breathing
: to cause (someone) to stop breathing by squeezing the throat
: to make (someone) unable to breathe in a normal way
chokedchok·ing
Full Definition of CHOKE
transitive verb
1
: to check or block normal breathing of by compressing or obstructing the trachea or by poisoning or adulterating available air
2
a : to check or hinder the growth, development, or activity of <the flowers were choked by the weeds> b : to obstruct by filling up or clogging <leaves choked the drain> c : to fill completely : jam <roads choked with traffic>
3
: to enrich the fuel mixture of (a motor) by partially shutting off the air intake of the carburetor
4
: to grip (as a baseball bat) some distance from the end of the handle —usually used with up
intransitive verb
1
: to become choked in breathing <he choked on a bone>
2
a : to become obstructed or checked b : to become or feel constricted in the throat (as from strong emotion) —usually used with up <choked up and couldn't finish the speech>
3
: to shorten one's grip especially on the handle of a bat —usually used with up
4
: to lose one's composure and fail to perform effectively in a critical situation <had a chance to win the game but he choked>
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Origin of CHOKE
Related to CHOKE
2choke
noun
: a part in a vehicle that controls the flow of air into the engine
Full Definition of CHOKE
1
[by folk etymology from artichoke] : the filamentous inedible center of an artichoke flower head; broadly : an artichoke flower head
2
: something that obstructs passage or flow: as a : a valve for choking a gasoline engine b : a constriction in an outlet (as of an oil well) that restricts flow c : reactor 2 d : a constriction (as a narrowing of the barrel or an attachment) at the muzzle of a shotgun that serves to limit the spread of shot
3
: the act of choking
See choke defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of CHOKE
1736
Other Automotive Terms
CHOKE Defined for Kids
choke
verb \ˈchōk\
chokedchok·ing
Definition of CHOKE for Kids
1
: to keep from breathing in a normal way by cutting off the supply of air <Many people were choked by thick smoke.>
2
: to have the trachea blocked entirely or partly <He nearly choked on a bone.>
3
: to slow or prevent the growth or action of <The flowers were choked by weeds.>
4
: to block by clogging <Leaves choked the sewer.>
— choke down
: to eat with difficulty <I choked down a bite.>
— choke up
: to become too emotional to speak
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