choking

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun a condition caused by blocking the airways to the lungs (as with food or swelling of the larynx)
noun the act of suffocating (someone) by constricting the windpipe
verb breathe with great difficulty, as when experiencing a strong emotion

By surface analysis, choke + -ing.

Uttering a choking cry he sprang back. — The Young Railroaders: Tales of Adventure and Ingenuity, Francis Lovell Coombs
"I gotta go get help," Tony said choking. — Terminal Compromise, Winn Schwartau
“He’s choking, I should think,” said Tommy, leaning forward. — Sea urchins, W. W. (William Wymark) Jacobs

Type a word, a sentence, a book title, or a link to an English article. WordNet and the Classics answer.

Try

A library of classics · a vault of words · instant etymology & meaning