n.
Pronunciation: ' ch ō k
Function: verb
Inflected Form: choked ; chok · ing
Etymology: Middle English, alteration of achoken, from Old English ā c ē ocian, from ā -, perfective prefix + c ē oce, c ē ace jaw, cheek ― more at ABIDE , CHEEK
Date: 14th century
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 >