choke
verb (used with object)
to stop the breath of by squeezing or obstructing the windpipe; strangle; stifle.
is choking
-
present progressiveof choke (3rd person singular).present progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or state that is currently taking place in the immediate present.
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.
Any intervention needs to be quick and effective: A person who is choking can lose consciousness and go into cardiac arrest within three to five minutes.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 9, 2026
Further information on what to do if a child is choking can be found on the NHS website.
From BBC ● Mar. 21, 2025
The resulting smoke is choking Manaus’ more than 2 million inhabitants who are also experiencing sweltering heat.
From Seattle Times ● Oct. 8, 2023
“Wildfire smoke is choking the Northeast, here are 6 ways to protect yourself,” wrote the Daily Beast.
From Washington Times ● Jun. 7, 2023
There’s a long pause and then a wheezing sound, like someone is choking on a hard candy.
From "Dread Nation" by Justina Ireland
