Definition

Noun: 1. A physical restraint technique: A choke hold is a grappling hold that applies pressure to the neck, specifically the windpipe (air choke) or the carotid arteries (blood choke), to restrict breathing or blood flow, typically to subdue a person. 2. A position of complete control or domination: Figuratively, a situation or force that severely restricts freedom, progress, or operation.

Usage Examples

• The police officer was trained to apply a choke hold only as a last resort for subduing a violent suspect.
• The new regulations put a financial choke hold on small businesses, making it difficult for them to survive.
• In the martial arts competition, she quickly secured victory with a rear naked choke hold.

Advanced Usage

• "to put a choke hold on something": To severely restrict or control something.
  • The economic sanctions are designed to put a choke hold on the country's oil industry.
• "in a choke hold": Being subjected to a literal or figurative restrictive force.
  • The company found itself in a choke hold due to massive debt and declining sales.

Variants and Related Words

• Chokehold (one word): An accepted alternative spelling of "choke hold".
• Stranglehold (noun): A very similar term, often used more frequently in figurative contexts to mean complete control that suppresses others.
  • The large corporation has a stranglehold on the market.

Synonyms

• Restraint hold (literal)
• Stranglehold (literal & figurative)
• Grip, control, domination (figurative)

Related Phrases

• Blood choke: A type of choke hold that compresses the carotid arteries to restrict blood flow to the brain.
• Air choke: A type of choke hold that compresses the windpipe to restrict breathing.

Related Idioms

• To have someone by the throat: To have complete control over someone, similar to the figurative use of "choke hold".
  • The loan sharks had him by the throat with their exorbitant interest rates.

Noun

1. a restraining hold; someone loops the arm around the neck of another person in a tight grip, usually from behind
   • he grabbed the woman in a chokehold, demanded her cash and jewelry, and then fled