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choking

UK[ˈtʃəʊkɪŋ]US[ˈtʃoʊkɪŋ]
adj

causing a feeling of tightness or suffocation.

n

the action or sound of choking.

Morpheme Breakdown

choke
ing
choke

ing

Etymology

the word 'choking' is formed from the base verb 'choke' with the addition of the productive suffix '-ing'. the verb 'choke' itself has a murky history in english, first appearing in middle english. its most plausible origins are either onomatopoeic, reflecting the sound of gasping or strangulation, or a derivation from the old english verb 'ācēocian', meaning 'to suffocate'. the '-ing' suffix, with its ancient germanic roots, transforms the verb into an adjective describing a suffocating quality or a noun denoting the act itself. thus, 'choking' directly conveys the concept of impeded breathing, maintaining a visceral link to its probable imitative or descriptive beginnings.

Analysis

Structure: choke + ing choke (from middle english 'choken', 'cheken', of uncertain origin, possibly imitative or from old english 'ācēocian' meaning 'to suffocate'. functions as the verb root). ing (from old english '-ende', '-inge', a suffix forming present participles and verbal nouns. functions as a participial/adjectival or gerund/noun suffix).

Examples

the choking smoke forced the firefighters to retreat.

she gave a few choking sobs before composing herself.

the new safety regulations aim to prevent choking hazards in children's toys.

choking – Meaning, Etymology & Word Origin | OpenEtymology