choke hold

noun

Synonyms of choke holdnext
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Today on the show, the story of a financial lifeline that can turn into a financial choke hold. Alina Selyukh, NPR, 11 Mar. 2026 Several of the signs feature intense images of ICE officials detaining people, including one that shows agents putting a man in a choke hold. Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2026 Maduro was awful on that, but our ability to strangle off and keep the choke hold on the Venezuelan regime keeps that fleet blockading Venezuela. CBS News, 18 Jan. 2026 Minadeo jumped on Buck's back and put him in a choke hold while gouging at his eyes, according to the lawsuit. Craig Shoup, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for choke hold

Word History

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of choke hold was in 1886

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Cite this Entry

“Choke hold.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/choke%20hold. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.

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