choke off

1. Put a stop to, throttle, as in Higher interest rates are choking off the real estate boom . [Early 1800s]

2. Stop someone from speaking or complaining, as in Throughout the debate the congressman had to be choked off to give the other candidate a chance to speak . [ Slang ; late 1800s]

Example Sentences

Opponents contend that the lands are safeguarded by existing designations and that giving them monument status will unfairly choke off recreation, such as offroading, and small-scale mining.

From Los Angeles Times

Other council members said they feared that funding for homelessness would be choked off following Tuesday’s election.

From Los Angeles Times

Its logic is that if it can choke off external supplies, the RSF’s local supporters will become discontented and some of its units may defect.

From BBC

But what causes the black hole’s feeding frenzy to start and later choke off again?

From Science Magazine

But if it holds rates too high for too long, it could choke off the economy’s growth and cause a recession that throws workers out of their jobs and craters profits for companies.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• arrest
• avoid
• bar
• block
• break
• check
• close
• disrupt
• intercept
• interrupt
• stall
• stay
• stem
• suspend