English Reference

Phrasal verb

choke off

Definition

phrasal verb. to stop or limit something from continuing, usually by cutting off its supply or support.

phrasal verb. to suppress or obstruct the progress, flow, or development of something. The verb is transitive and is frequently employed in economic contexts to describe the restriction of growth or investment.

Examples

“High taxes can choke off new business investment.”

“The central bank raised interest rates to control inflation, even though it risked choking off the country's economic recovery.”

“The sudden imposition of trade tariffs served to choke off the burgeoning exchange of technological resources between the two neighboring nations.”

Examples

simple

“High taxes can choke off new business investment.”

contextual

“The central bank raised interest rates to control inflation, even though it risked choking off the country's economic recovery.”

complex

“The sudden imposition of trade tariffs served to choke off the burgeoning exchange of technological resources between the two neighboring nations.”

Usage

Typically used with abstract nouns like 'growth', 'investment', 'supply', or 'recovery'.

Teaching tip

This is a great example of a metaphorical phrasal verb; use the image of 'choking' a person to explain how a supply line is 'strangled' to stop a process.

Phrasal verb

Particles

off

Separability

optional

Pattern

choke + off + object

Synonyms

cut offstiflesuppressstrangle

Antonyms

encouragestimulate

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
Level
C1 · Advanced
Updated

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