chokes: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral (used in everyday, technical, and figurative contexts)
Quick answer
What does “chokes” mean?
Third person singular of 'choke': to stop breathing because the airway is blocked.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Third person singular of 'choke': to stop breathing because the airway is blocked; to stop or slow something from functioning.
1. Suffocates, blocks airflow. 2. Restricts or fails under pressure (figurative). 3. Blocks the flow of a liquid, gas, or current. 4. Becomes obstructed or clogged.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Both share literal and figurative senses. The noun form for a carburettor part is standard in both, but more common in US automotive contexts.
Connotations
Identical. Figurative use in sports/performance ('he chokes') is equally strong in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English in automotive/engine contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “chokes” in a Sentence
NP chokes (on NP)NP chokes NPNP chokes (back tears/emotion)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chokes” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- If he eats too quickly, he chokes.
- The outdated bureaucracy chokes innovation.
- She often chokes back her anger.
American English
- The engine chokes on cheap gas.
- He always chokes during the finals.
- Dust chokes the air filter.
adverb
British English
- N/A (no standard adverbial form for 'chokes')
American English
- N/A (no standard adverbial form for 'chokes')
adjective
British English
- N/A (no standard adjectival form for 'chokes')
American English
- N/A (no standard adjectival form for 'chokes')
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Figurative: 'High inflation chokes economic growth.'
Academic
Literal in medical/biological contexts; figurative in social sciences.
Everyday
Literal: 'He chokes on a piece of bread.' Figurative: 'She always chokes during exams.'
Technical
Engineering: 'The filter chokes if debris accumulates.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chokes”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chokes”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chokes”
- Incorrect: 'He chokes from the smoke.' (Use 'on' or 'because of').
- Incorrect: 'The team choked to win.' (Contradictory; use 'failed to win' or 'choked under pressure').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While the core meaning involves blocked breathing, it's commonly used figuratively for anything that fails under pressure or is severely restricted.
'Choke on' refers to a physical object blocking the airway (choke on food). 'Choke with' is used with emotions or substances (choke with rage, choke with smoke).
Rarely in plural form. 'Chokes' can refer to devices that restrict flow (e.g., in an engine). The singular 'choke' is the standard noun form.
The literal use is neutral. The figurative use ('fails under pressure') is common in informal and sports commentary, but understood in all registers.
Third person singular of 'choke': to stop breathing because the airway is blocked.
Chokes: in British English it is pronounced /tʃəʊks/, and in American English it is pronounced /tʃoʊks/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “chokes up (becomes too emotional to speak)”
- “chokes the life out of something”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CHOKEr chain on a dog – it tightens and restricts breathing.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRESSURE/OBSTRUCTION IS CHOKING (e.g., 'Regulations are choking the industry.')
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'chokes' used figuratively?