chock

[ chok ]

noun

1. a wedge or block of wood, metal, or the like, for filling in a space, holding an object steady, etc.
2. Nautical.
   1. any of various heavy metal fittings on a deck or wharf that serve as fairleads for cables or chains.
   2. a shaped support or cradle for a ship's boat, barrel, etc.
   3. a small wooden piece or timber for filling a gap, reinforcing an angle, etc., in a wooden vessel.
3. Metalworking. a bearing supporting the end of a rolling mill.
4. Mining. a roof support made of cribbing filled with stones. Compare cog ³( def 2 ).

verb (used with object)

1. to furnish with or secure by a chock or chocks.
2. Nautical. to place (a boat) upon chocks.

adverb

1. as close or tight as possible:

   chock against the edge.

chock

/ tʃɒk /

noun

1. a block or wedge of wood used to prevent the sliding or rolling of a heavy object
2. nautical
   1. a fairlead consisting of a ringlike device with an opening at the top through which a rope is placed
   2. a cradle-like support for a boat, barrel, etc
3. mountaineering See nut

verb

1. usually foll by up to cram full

   chocked up with newspapers

2. to fit with or secure by a chock
3. to support (a boat, barrel, etc) on chocks

adverb

1. as closely or tightly as possible

   chock against the wall

Word History and Origins

Origin of chock¹

Middle English < Anglo-French choque (compare modern Picard choke big log, Normandy dial. chouque ), Old French çoche ( French soche ); of uncertain origin

Word History and Origins

Origin of chock¹

C17: of uncertain origin; perhaps related to Old French çoche log; compare Provençal soca tree stump

Example Sentences

If words truly matter, then Tuesday night’s vice presidential debate was chock full of language aimed at undecided voters.

From Los Angeles Times

The video for their latest single, “Touch,” is chock full of deep-cut symbolism that is individual to each member.

From Los Angeles Times

Her flailing style — chock full of moves such as "the kangaroo" and others that have been compared to a dog squirming in grass — lost all three of her matches 0-18.

From Salon

The waters east of the Golden Gate Bridge were chock- full of life — sea lions and harbor seals galore — but not a cetacean to be seen.

From Los Angeles Times

The film is chock full of black humor set against steampunk visual design.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• cluster
• congest
• congregate
• deluge
• flock
• gather
• huddle
• overcrowd
• pack
• pile
• squeeze
• stream
• swamp
• swarm
• throng