choke

When something gets stuck in a person’s throat and the person can’t swallow, use the word "choke."

• Bill choked while eating a hot dog.
• A man in our office choked during his lunch. He’s okay.
• A woman in the restaurant almost choked to death until someone hit her on the back.
• Don’t take such big bites. You’ll choke.

We might use the verb "choke" if someone or something grabs a person by the neck:

• He’s being choked.
• His computer is choking him.
• I read online about a woman who was sent to prison for choking a coworker.
• Eric doesn’t like to wear ties because he feels like he’s being choked.

" is also a popular word to use when describing a team or a person who is in a position of losing after having been in a winning position:

• Our team was ahead, but then we choked in the last five minutes and lost.
• Dan always chokes during a tennis match.
• Helen is a good worker because she never chokes under pressure.
• Okay, I’m ahead by three points. Hope I don’t choke.

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March 20, 2012