Synonyms

choking

American

[choh-king] / ˈtʃoʊ kɪŋ /

adjective

(of the voice) husky and strained, especially because of emotion.
causing the feeling of being choked.

a choking cloud of smoke.

Other Word Forms

chokingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of choking

choke + -ing ²

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

McPaul had been a resident at the care home since 2009 and suffered from osteoarthritis and chronic oedema, while having a history of choking on his food.

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026

The move was unable, however, to overcome fears about the choking of energy supplies, with the Strait of Hormuz -- through which a fifth of global crude passes -- effectively shut down.

From Barron's • Mar. 12, 2026

Tehran was shrouded in thick, choking smoke from burning fuel depots as Mojtaba Khamenei took up his role as Iran’s new supreme leader over the weekend.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 9, 2026

“I am indeed a lucky guy,” Ford said, choking back tears before ending his speech with a wry, “This is very encouraging.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 2, 2026

No one could endure the hot flames and choking smoke for long.

From "Chasing Lincoln's Killer" by James L. Swanson

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023