choke up

British  

verb

1. to block (a drain, pipe, etc) completely

2. informal (usually passive) to overcome (a person) with emotion, esp without due cause

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choke up Idioms  

1. Block a channel or other passage, as in Vegetation choked up the creek like a dam . [Late 1600s]

2. Be too emotional or upset to speak, as in She became so emotional about winning that she choked up and was unable to give an interview .

3. Become too nervous or tense in a critical situation to perform, as in He's fine during practice but in a match he tends to choke up . This usage, also put as to choke alone, is especially common in sports. [ Colloquial ; mid-1900s]

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Example Sentences

While at times the show has caused me to choke up slightly, I find myself more so tearful that the magic of my kids’ childhoods is passing by.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 8, 2026

Of the tribute from Mr. Boehner, who is known to choke up publicly in big moments, she joked, “I would have been a little disappointed if he didn’t get emotional.”

From New York Times • Dec. 14, 2022

He appeared to choke up when thanking his family for being with him “every step of the way” and expressing gratitude to colleagues for their support through the “toughest of times.”

From Seattle Times • Apr. 14, 2022

At one point, he appeared to choke up during his address Thursday as he thanked his family members — both his daughter, Maya, and father, former District Attorney Gil Garcetti, were in the crowd.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2022

He finally, at this point, begins to choke up.

From "Drama High" by Michael Sokolove