chokehold: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Journalistic, Specialized (Martial Arts)
Quick answer
What does “chokehold” mean?
A grappling hold that compresses the opponent's neck, restricting airflow or blood flow to cause unconsciousness.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A grappling hold that compresses the opponent's neck, restricting airflow or blood flow to cause unconsciousness.
A situation of complete control or domination that severely restricts freedom, progress, or development.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference. The spelling is consistent as one word.
Connotations
In both varieties, the metaphorical use is common in political/economic discourse. The literal sense carries strong negative connotations due to association with police brutality and fatal incidents.
Frequency
Frequency is comparable, with a notable increase in journalistic use in recent years in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “chokehold” in a Sentence
[Subject] has/puts [Object] in a chokehold.[Subject] maintains a chokehold on [Object].The chokehold of [Abstract Noun] (e.g., debt, poverty).Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chokehold” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The new regulations could chokehold innovation in the sector.
- He was controversially chokeheld by the officer.
American English
- The monopoly chokeholds the entire industry.
- The suspect was chokeheld during the arrest.
adjective
British English
- The company's chokehold tactics were criticised by regulators.
- He applied a chokehold manoeuvre.
American English
- They faced chokehold regulations from the federal government.
- The chokehold technique is banned in many police departments.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Describes a company's dominant, restrictive control over a market or supply chain.
Academic
Used in political science or economics to describe hegemonic control or structural oppression.
Everyday
Used to describe any overly controlling situation (e.g., a strict contract, oppressive relationship).
Technical
A specific grappling technique in martial arts (e.g., judo, jiu-jitsu) and law enforcement, with defined legal and tactical parameters.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chokehold”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chokehold”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chokehold”
- Spelling as two words: 'choke hold'. (Standard is one word.)
- Using it for any type of hold (it specifically targets the neck).
- Incorrect pronunciation: /tʃɒk/ instead of /tʃəʊk/ or /tʃoʊk/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is standardly written as one word: 'chokehold'.
Extremely rarely. Its core meaning involves restriction and submission, so it almost always carries a negative or neutral/technical connotation.
They are often interchangeable, especially metaphorically. Literally, a 'chokehold' restricts airflow (trachea), while a 'stranglehold' restricts blood flow (carotid arteries). 'Stranglehold' is slightly more common in metaphorical business/political contexts.
It is increasingly used, especially in journalistic contexts, but some style guides may prefer phrasal verbs like 'put in a chokehold'. Its use is more accepted in the metaphorical sense.
A grappling hold that compresses the opponent's neck, restricting airflow or blood flow to cause unconsciousness.
Chokehold is usually formal, journalistic, specialized (martial arts) in register.
Chokehold: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʃəʊk.həʊld/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʃoʊk.hoʊld/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To have a chokehold on the market.”
- “To be in a financial chokehold.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a hand CHOKING you and HOLDing on tight – that's a CHOKEHOLD, literally or metaphorically.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTROL IS GRASPING/STRANGLING
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the MOST accurate description of a literal chokehold?