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Definitions

choke back

VERB
restrain
Synonyms
STRONGEST
confine constrain control curb curtail detain deter govern hamper hinder inhibit keep down kill limit prevent repress restrict subdue suppress
STRONG
arrest bind bridle chain check circumscribe contain control cool cork debar delimit direct fetter gag guide harness hold impound imprison jail keep manacle muzzle pinion proscribe stay
WEAK
bottle up box up crack down hem in hogtie keep in line lock up pull back sit on tie down tie up
Antonyms
STRONGEST
aid allow assist encourage free help let go liberate permit promote release start turn on
STRONG
abandon forsake give up leave loose loosen misguide mislead neglect set free
VERB
stifle
Synonyms
STRONGEST
curb muzzle repress silence smother squelch strangle suffocate suppress
STRONG
asphyxiate burke check choke constipate cork extinguish gag hush kill muffle spike squash stagnate stop stultify torpedo trammel
WEAK
black out bring to screeching halt clam up clamp down cover up crack down dry up hold it down hush up put the lid on shut up sit on
Antonyms
STRONGEST
allow encourage free let go loose release
STRONG
aid assist bear begin create help start
WEAK
persuade

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.

Often appearing to choke back tears, he told his counsel Tony Graham KC he remembered nothing of the accident nor the journey leading up to it.

From BBC • Nov. 11, 2025

“It is my honor to accept,” he said on Dec. 2 at the University of New Hampshire, his voice trembling as he tried to choke back tears.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 11, 2020

“That incident left me totally disillusioned,” she said, pausing to choke back tears.

From New York Times • Aug. 18, 2020

Peden tells her mother’s story in a breathless rush, stopping only to choke back tears.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 9, 2018

I choke back a sob that surprises me.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam