noun a condition in which breathing is obstructed
verb to have difficulty breathing due to a constricted or obstructed throat
To choke a chicken means to cut off its air supply in order to kill it for food.
Choking is a medical emergency where a person's airway is blocked, preventing them from breathing.
In networking, a choke point is a bottleneck that restricts the flow of data.
In sports like wrestling or martial arts, a chokehold is a grappling move that restricts the opponent's airway.
In an internal combustion engine, a choke is used to enrich the fuel-air mixture for easier starting in cold weather.
To feel choked up means to feel emotional and unable to speak due to strong feelings.
In a professional writing context, 'choke' can refer to experiencing writer's block or being unable to come up with ideas for a piece of writing. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a piece of writing that is not well-received or does not meet expectations.
Psychologists may use the term 'choke' to describe a client's experience of feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope with a situation. It can also be used to describe a cognitive phenomenon where performance declines under pressure, such as in the case of test anxiety or public speaking.
In sports, 'choke' is commonly used to describe a situation where an athlete fails to perform at their best under pressure, often in a crucial moment of a game or competition. It can also refer to a physical sensation of being unable to breathe properly, which can affect an athlete's performance.
Musicians may use the term 'choke' to describe a performance that is not up to their usual standard, often due to nerves or pressure. It can also refer to a technical issue with an instrument or equipment that affects the quality of the music.