Entry Word: choke

Function: verb

Meaning: 1 to keep (someone) from breathing by exerting pressure on the windpipe <let go of my throat—youʼre choking me!>

Synonyms garrote (or garotte), strangle, throttle

Related Words asphyxiate, smother, suffocate

Near Antonyms restore, resuscitate, revive

2 to experience complete or partial blockage of the windpipe <the recommended procedure for helping someone who is choking>

Synonyms gag

Related Words heave, retch, throw up, vomit; asphyxiate, smother, suffocate

Near Antonyms breathe, respire

3 to be or cause to be killed by lack of breathable air <thick, black smoke choked the trapped fire fighters> — see smother 1
4 to prevent passage through <overgrown bushes choked the narrow alleyway between the buildings> — see clog 1