What does "choked" mean?

1. (unable to breathe) unable to breathe because something is stuck in your throat or you are being squeezed. 2. (blocked or full) completely filled or blocked so that nothing can move through. 3. (emotional) having a tight feeling in your throat because you are about to cry.

choked

adj.

US //ˈtʃoʊkt// UK //tʃˈəʊkt// choked

1 unable to breathe (adj.)
B1 Intermediate

unable to breathe because something is stuck in your throat or you are being squeezed.

experiencing a restricted airway due to physical obstruction or external pressure.

Example

The boy was choked and coughing after he tried to swallow a large piece of apple.

Example

The victim was found alive but badly choked, showing visible bruising around the neck where the collar had been pulled too tight.
- strangled
- suffocating
2 blocked or full (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

completely filled or blocked so that nothing can move through.

obstructed or congested by an accumulation of material, vegetation, or traffic.

Example

The garden was choked with weeds that had grown over the summer.

Example

The narrow city streets were choked with traffic, making it impossible for the emergency services to reach the scene quickly.
- clear
- empty
3 emotional (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

having a tight feeling in your throat because you are about to cry.

experiencing a constriction of the throat caused by strong emotion, typically grief or joy.

Example

She felt choked with emotion as she thanked her friends for their help.

Example

His voice sounded choked as he delivered the eulogy, forcing him to pause several times to regain his composure.
- tearful
- overcome

Last updated June 20, 2026