choke hold

noun

1

: a hold that involves strong choking pressure applied to the neck of another

2

: absolute dominance or control

had a choke hold on the city's finances

Examples of choke hold in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This atavistic view of humanity by a prominent thought leader is horrifying, especially considering that actual violence in our streets comes not from choke holds but gunfire. —Steven Levy, WIRED, 14 July 2023

The church has had us in a choke hold for a long time now. —Sterling Holywhitemountain, The New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2023

Snoring can be a sign that someone has passed out from a choke hold. —Tracey Harrington McCoy, Peoplemag, 6 June 2023

In fact, anybody familiar with hand-to-hand combat or even anybody who has worked as a bouncer at a bar knows that a choke hold is a terrible way of restraining someone. —Alex Thomas, The New Republic, 9 June 2023

Jordan Neely, 30, who had a history of mental illness and multiple arrests for assault, ranted and allegedly terrorized passengers before the veteran put him in a choke hold that police have determined caused his death. —Ryan Faughnder, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2023

Aljamain Sterling's Rear Naked Choke The Drill - Foam Roll Choke Drill Sterling taught me how to apply a choke hold, which is much more technical than just catching someone in the crook of your arm and cranking away at their windpipe. —Brett Williams, Men's Health, 5 May 2023

Early on in that fight, Carmouche had Rousey in trouble with a standing rear naked choke hold but the eventual six-time UFC champ was able to escape. —Ivan Carter, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Apr. 2023

So, Mark, instead of participating in a lurid combat spectacle with Elon, look to your better angels—the ones who don’t practice choke holds. —Steven Levy, WIRED, 14 July 2023

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Word History

First Known Use

1964, in the meaning defined at sense 1