choke

B2 · Upper Intermediate

v. to fill a space so that nothing can pass through it.

v. to obstruct a passage, pipe, or channel by filling it with debris or a high volume of traffic.

“Leaves and dirt began to choke the drain during the heavy rain.”

“Abandoned vehicles continued to choke the main arterial roads, making it impossible for emergency services to reach the city centre.”

C1 · Advanced Sports Informal

v. to perform badly in a game or test because you are very nervous.

v. to fail to perform effectively at a critical moment in a competition due to psychological pressure.

“The team was winning by ten points, but they started to choke in the final minutes.”

“Despite his status as the tournament favourite, he appeared to choke during the final set, committing several unforced errors that cost him the title.”

C1 · Advanced Literary

v. to find it hard to speak because you are feeling a very strong emotion.

v. to have the voice or throat constricted by strong emotion, such as grief or anger.

“She began to choke up as she talked about her childhood home.”

“He tried to finish his speech, but he was choked with emotion and had to step away from the microphone.”

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Technology Technical

n. a part in an engine that controls the amount of air coming in.

n. a valve in the carburettor of an internal combustion engine used to enrich the fuel-air mixture.

“You might need to pull the choke to get the old car started on a cold morning.”

“The mechanic adjusted the manual choke to ensure the engine would idle smoothly during the winter months.”

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Cooking Technical

n. the fuzzy, inedible part in the middle of an artichoke vegetable.

n. the mass of immature florets in the centre of an artichoke bud, which must be removed before eating.

“Be careful to scrape away the hairy choke before you serve the artichoke hearts.”

“After steaming the vegetable, use a spoon to carefully remove the fibrous choke from the base.”