# choke out

CEFR C1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/choke-out
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to say something with great difficulty because you are feeling very emotional or cannot breathe properly.

For teachers: to utter words with difficulty, typically due to physical constriction of the throat or intense emotional distress such as sobbing.

## Examples

- He managed to choke out a quick goodbye.
- Through her tears, she could only choke out a few words of thanks to the rescue team.
- The witness, visibly shaken by the cross-examination, struggled to choke out the remainder of his testimony before the judge called for a recess.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He choked out to his mother." but "He choked out a message to his mother." — this phrasal verb requires a direct object representing the words spoken.

## Usage notes

- usually takes a speech-related object like 'words', 'a name', or 'an apology'.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'blurt out' (sudden and impulsive) to show that 'choke out' emphasizes the physical or emotional struggle of the delivery.

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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.