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Dictionary.com
Definitions

choke off

VERB
quieten
Synonyms
STRONG
clam dampen deaden dull extinguish gag hush lull muffle mute muzzle overawe quash quell quiet shush soft pedal squelch stifle still subdue suppress tongue-tie
WEAK
clam up close up cool it cut off cut short decrease the volume dry up dumb dummy up hold one's tongue hush one's mouth hush-hush keep it down pipe down quiet down say nothing shut up sit on strike dumb
Antonyms
STRONG
agitate allow disturb encourage help irritate let go release start
VERB
retard
Synonyms
STRONGEST
crimp decelerate hamper impede lessen
STRONG
arrest baffle balk bog brake check choke clog dawdle decrease defer delay detain down encumber falter fetter flag hesitate loaf loiter mire poke postpone reduce slacken stall
WEAK
back off bog down bring to screeching halt close off hang up hold back hold up let up set back shut down shut off slow down slow up take down
Antonyms
STRONGEST
aid assist help promote
STRONG
advance allow continue do encourage expand expedite forward free further grow hasten hurry increase let go liberate maintain persevere raise release rush speed strengthen unblock
WEAK
push
VERB
shush
Synonyms
STRONG
clam dampen deaden dull extinguish gag hush lull muffle mute muzzle overawe quash quell quiet quieten soft pedal squelch stifle still subdue suppress tongue-tie
WEAK
clam up close up cool it cut off cut short decrease the volume dry up dumb dummy up hold one's tongue hush one's mouth hush-hush keep it down pipe down quiet down say nothing shut up sit on strike dumb
Antonyms
STRONG
agitate allow disturb encourage help irritate let go release start
VERB
silence
Synonyms
STRONGEST
cut off gag muffle mute muzzle quash quell squelch stifle subdue suppress
STRONG
clam dampen deaden dull extinguish hush lull overawe quiet quieten shush soft pedal still tongue-tie
WEAK
clam up close up cool it cut short decrease the volume dry up dumb dummy up hold one's tongue hush one's mouth hush-hush keep it down pipe down quiet down say nothing shut up sit on strike dumb
Antonyms
STRONGEST
allow encourage help let go permit release start
WEAK
be noisy communicate talk
VERB
stop
Synonyms
STRONGEST
arrest avoid bar block break check close disrupt intercept interrupt stall stay stem suspend
STRONG
bottle choke clog congest fill fix forestall frustrate gag hinder hush impede muzzle obstruct occlude plug repress restrain seal silence staunch still stopper
WEAK
cut off put a stop to rein in shut down shut off shut out throw over turn off ward off
Antonyms
STRONGEST
abet advance aid allow cause continue encourage go help let go open permit release
STRONG
assist clear disturb facilitate forward free liberate promote support unblock
WEAK
begin start
VERB
stymie
Synonyms
STRONGEST
crimp foil impede obstruct stall stonewall thwart
STRONG
balk block confound corner crab cramp defeat mystify nonplus pigeonhole prevent puzzle shelve snooker stump
WEAK
cramp one's style cut off dead-end give the runaround hang fire hang-up hold off hold up put on back burner put on hold throw a monkey wrench into
Antonyms
STRONGEST
abet advance aid assist forward help support
STRONG
allow clarify clear up enlighten explain explicate let go release
WEAK
encourage

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.

When inflation runs higher central banks usually raise interest rates to choke off demand.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

AMD’s personal-computer segment has done well so far this year, Klein said, but that could be “at risk if memory prices choke off consumer demand” next year.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 25, 2025

China’s new export restrictions will essentially choke off all supply to the U.S. when they are implemented next month.

From Barron's • Oct. 24, 2025

The road wasn’t designed as a private community, and critics argue the gates would choke off key traffic arteries alongside a busy thoroughfare.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 24, 2025

Woods choke off views and leave you muddled and without bearings.

From "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson