# choke off

CEFR C1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/choke-off
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

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

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

- 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.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.