Definitions

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition.

  • noun A restraining move in which one person seizes another around the neck in a tight grip, typically from behind.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun martial arts, wrestling A grappling hold around the neck that cuts off the flow of air to the brain
  • noun by extension A strong and powerful grasp on something

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • noun complete power over a person or situation
  • noun a restraining hold; someone loops the arm around the neck of another person in a tight grip, usually from behind

Etymologies

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

choke +‎ hold

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Examples

  • Prosser, 68, then grabbed her by the neck in what she called a "chokehold," but she told detectives she didn't remember Prosser squeezing or applying any pressure.

    News - chicagotribune.com 2011

  • Prosser, 68, then grabbed her by the neck in what she called a "chokehold," but she told detectives she didn't remember Prosser squeezing or applying any pressure.

    News - chicagotribune.com 2011

  • Brian Williams, women's self-defense instructor, demonstrates how to break a chokehold to Erin Clair, a sophomore and double major in pre-med physiology and anthropology.

    Arizona Daily Wildcat RSS 2010

  • Stewart showed them how to slip a grip and how to break a chokehold, and that their canes might be their best bet for help.

    dispatch.com: RSS 2009

  • Spot, are you concerned at all about the 110 "chokehold" expansion project about to commence?

    Noontime Briefs and Outtakes for Thursday 2009

  • Japanese outfield hopeful So Taguchi could learn to say "chokehold" in English,

    USATODAY.com - Kile tragedy has somber effect on fun-loving team 2002

  • Eshoo, who is a co-sponsor of network neutrality legislation, also warned the deal could result in a "chokehold" over the transfer of information over the Internet.

    C - Advertising News 2010

  • Eshoo, who is a co-sponsor of network neutrality legislation, also warned the deal could result in a "chokehold" over the transfer of information over the Internet.

    C - Advertising News 2010

  • Eshoo, who is a co-sponsor of network neutrality legislation, also warned the deal could result in a "chokehold" over the transfer of information over the Internet.

    C - Advertising News 2010

  • Eshoo, who is a co-sponsor of network neutrality legislation, also warned the deal could result in a "chokehold" over the transfer of information over the Internet.

    C - Advertising News 2010

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