choke hold

noun

Synonyms of choke holdnext
1
: a hold that involves strong choking pressure applied to the neck of another
2
: absolute dominance or control
had a choke hold on the city's finances

Examples of choke hold in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Regardless, any diplomatic efforts that pause the fighting and release the choke hold on global energy supplies are just the beginning. — Robin Wright, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2026 But if violence escalates and keeps a choke hold on traffic, prices could reach $95 to $120 a barrel, while damage to major energy infrastructure could produce spikes of up to $150 a barrel, the analysts wrote. — Aamer Madhani, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2026 Easing that choke hold would go a long way toward rightsizing the government’s footprint. — Editorial Board, Washington Post, 18 Sep. 2026 The solid shot to the head, the hardest delivered by either of them, is followed by the skateboarder getting the Mercedes driver in a choke hold. — Sean Joseph Outkick, FOXNews.com, 19 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for choke hold

Word History

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of choke hold was in 1886

Rhymes for choke hold

See All Rhymes for choke hold

Browse Nearby Words

choke-full
choke hold
choke off
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Choke hold.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/choke%20hold. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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