Synonyms

choking

American

[choh-king] / ˈtʃoʊ kɪŋ /

adjective

(of the voice) husky and strained, especially because of emotion.
causing the feeling of being choked.

a choking cloud of smoke.

Other Word Forms

chokingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of choking

choke + -ing ²

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Hazardous haze has also been choking people elsewhere in South East Asia, with the most number of hotspots flaring up across Malaysia and Indonesia in seven years.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

But they are nonetheless an illustration of how Iran has been able to move money internationally for years despite Western sanctions aimed at choking off the regime’s ability to do so.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

Iran has virtually shut the Strait of Hormuz, choking a vital transit route for oil and gas -- as well as fertilisers.

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

“I am indeed a lucky guy,” Ford said, choking back tears before ending his speech with a wry, “This is very encouraging.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 2, 2026

I was practically choking trying not to laugh.

From "Crash" by Jerry Spinelli

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023