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.