choke back
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb:
- To suppress or hold back (an emotion, reaction, or utterance) with effort: "choke back" means to forcibly restrain something, typically a strong feeling like tears, anger, or words, preventing it from being expressed outwardly.
Usage
- The verb "choke back" is a transitive phrasal verb. It requires a direct object (the thing being suppressed).
- It is often used in contexts involving emotional control.
- Common collocations: choke back tears, choke back a sob, choke back anger, choke back a reply.
Examples
- Verb:
- She had to choke back her tears during the sad farewell.
- He choked back a sharp retort, choosing to remain silent instead.
- The news was so shocking I had to choke back a cry.
Advanced Usage
- "to choke back on": This variant is less common but can be used, emphasizing the internal struggle of suppression.
- He choked back on his disappointment and congratulated the winner.
Variants and Related Words
- Choke down (verb): A very close synonym, often interchangeable with "choke back," especially for emotions. It can also literally mean to swallow something with difficulty.
- He choked down his pride and apologized.
- Suppress (verb): A more general synonym meaning to prevent the expression or operation of something.
- Swallow (verb): Used figuratively to mean accepting or suppressing a feeling or remark.
Synonyms
- Hold back: To restrain or prevent from doing something.
- Bite back: To stop oneself from saying something.
- Stifle: To suppress or hold back.
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Choke up (verb): To become too emotional to speak. (Note: This describes the state of being emotionally overwhelmed, not the active suppression denoted by "choke back").
- He choked up while giving his speech.
Related Idioms
- Bite one's tongue: To stop oneself from saying something to avoid trouble, similar in meaning to choking back words.
- I had to bite my tongue during the argument.
Verb
- suppress
- He choked down his rage