Search

choke off

idiom

The phrase "choke off" conveys the idea of stopping, restricting, or obstructing something, often forcefully or abruptly.

🇺🇸 US Voice:
🇬🇧 UK Voice:

Definition

B2General

(common, informal)To bring something to a stop or an end, often suddenly or forcefully.

Example

  • The government choked off the protests by imposing a curfew.
  • The heavy rains choked off the outdoor event.

C1Economics

(technical)To restrict or control the growth or development of something, such as an economy.

Example

  • Raising interest rates can choke off economic growth.
  • The new policies are designed to choke off inflation.

B2Physical

(technical)To obstruct or block a passage or flow, causing a stoppage.

Example

  • Debris choked off the river, causing a flood.
  • The pipe was choked off by sediment buildup.

C1Communication

(common)To silence or suppress someone's speech or complaints.

Example

  • The manager choked off any dissent during the meeting.
  • He choked off her objections with a stern look.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "choke off":

choke outchoke upchoke pearblock offcut offshut offsqueeze offblock upsnuff outchew offchuck offstop up