B1verbhealth
US/tʃoʊk/
UK/tʃəʊk/
to struggle for air because your throat is blocked, or to block or fill something completely
In context
He started to choke on a piece of meat at dinner.
The thick smoke made her cough and nearly choke.
Weeds can choke young plants if you leave them alone.
Words that go with choke
verb + preposition
- choke on foodChildren can choke on small pieces of food.
- choke to deathHe nearly choked to death on a grape.
- choke on smokeFirefighters choked on the thick smoke.
verb + noun
- choke back tearsShe choked back tears during the speech.
verb + adverb
- choke upHe choked up when he talked about his late father.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
He choked by a bone.Correct: He choked on a bone.