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Choke

Definitions and Meaning in English

1. To block or obstruct the airway, preventing normal breathing.
2. To struggle to breathe or speak due to an obstruction in the throat.
3. To fail to perform under pressure, often in sports or critical situations.
4. To stifle or suppress something, such as emotion or a reaction.
5. To fill or block a space, preventing movement or progress.

History and Origin

The word “choke” originates from the Old English ciccan or ciccian, meaning “to stop the breath.” It has been used in both literal and figurative senses since the Middle Ages, with the first known usage referring to suffocation or obstructed breathing. Over time, the word broadened to describe other forms of suppression or obstruction.

Detailed Explanation

“Choke” is a versatile term used in different contexts. Medically, it refers to the obstruction of the airway, which can lead to suffocation if not resolved quickly. It can also describe situations where someone struggles to speak or perform due to anxiety or pressure, such as “choking” in a game or public speaking. In a broader sense, it can mean suppressing or stifling something, like an emotion or a reaction. The term can be used both literally and figuratively to convey a sense of struggle or restriction.

Example Sentences

1. He began to choke on the piece of food stuck in his throat.
2. The athlete choked during the final moments of the game, missing the crucial shot.
3. She felt like she was choking on her words, unable to express herself in the meeting.
4. The smoke from the fire made it difficult to breathe and caused many to choke.
5. The comedian’s nervousness caused him to choke on his lines during the performance.
6. He had to perform the Heimlich maneuver when his friend began to choke on a piece of meat.
7. The city was choking under the weight of its growing pollution problem.
8. The tension in the room was so thick it felt like they were choking on the silence.
9. The team managed to overcome the pressure and not choke under the spotlight.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

1. Suffocate – To cause difficulty in breathing, leading to a lack of air.
2. Strangle – To constrict the throat or airway, preventing normal breathing.
3. Gag – To struggle with breathing or swallowing, often caused by an obstruction.
4. Stifle – To suppress or restrain something, such as an emotion or reaction.
5. Asphyxiate – To cause a lack of oxygen, leading to difficulty in breathing or suffocation.

Related Words with Short Explanation

1. Airway – The passage through which air travels into the lungs, which can become blocked.
2. Heimlich maneuver – A first aid technique used to help someone who is choking.
3. Suffocation – The condition of being unable to breathe due to a blockage or restriction.
4. Breathless – A state of having difficulty breathing, often due to physical exertion or choking.
5. Gasping – A reaction to suffocation, where someone struggles to breathe.

More Matches with Short Explanation

1. Blockage – An obstruction in the airway or passage.
2. Pressure – The mental or emotional strain that can lead someone to choke in high-stakes situations.
3. Panic – A sudden fear that can cause someone to choke in stressful situations.
4. Obstruction – Something that blocks the airway, preventing normal breathing.
5. Nervousness – A feeling of anxiety or unease that can cause someone to choke during an important task.

Antonyms

1. Breathe
2. Succeed
3. Perform
4. Flourish
5. Thrive