Phrase guide

choke back

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To hold back or suppress (an emotion, expression of emotion, or utterance), with difficulty.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

Examples

  • When she slapped me, I tried hard to choke back my tears.
  • He had a cutting retort on the tip of his tongue, but he choked it back.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

suppress

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • He choked down his rage

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: choke off, choke down

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: suppress, stamp down, inhibit, subdue, conquer, curb

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.