choke
UK[tʃəʊk]US[tʃoʊk]
v
to be unable to breathe because something is blocking your throat or because there is not enough air
v
to fail at doing something because you are very nervous, especially in sports
v
to fill a space so that movement or growth is very difficult
n
a device in a vehicle that controls the amount of air going into the engine, used to help the engine start
Etymology
the word 'choke' originates from the old english 'ācēocian', meaning to suffocate or strangle. it is related to the old english noun 'cēoce' or 'cēace', meaning cheek or jaw, suggesting an early semantic connection to the throat and jaw as the site of constriction. this term is of west germanic origin, with possible deeper roots in proto-germanic. over time, the word simplified in form and broadened in meaning from the literal act of suffocation to encompass metaphorical failures and mechanical functions, such as the device that constricts airflow in an engine.
Analysis
the word 'choke' is a simplex form. it is a middle english word, from the old english verb 'ācēocian' (to suffocate), which is of germanic origin. its functional role is as a complete lexical root.
Examples
a piece of food caught in his throat and made him choke.
the team had a big lead but choked in the final minutes of the game.
weeds were choking the garden pond.