choke

Everyday

1. To choke means to be unable to breathe because something is stuck in your throat. tree →
2. To choke can mean to have trouble breathing because of smoke or dust. tree →
3. To choke up means to have trouble speaking because of strong feelings. tree →
4. To choke in sport means to fail at an important moment because of nerves. tree →

In the lessons

In safety and first aid lessons, small objects (coins, marbles, button batteries, balloon pieces, grapes and hot dogs for little children) can cause choking; sit down to eat, chew well and don't talk or run with food in your mouth. If someone is choking and cannot cough, speak or breathe, get an adult and call the emergency number; adults use back blows and abdominal thrusts. The sign for choking is hands at the throat. Phrases: choke on, choking hazard, choke back tears, choked up.

Examples

• He choked on a piece of apple. tree →
• Small toys are a choking hazard for babies. tree →
• Cut grapes in half for little children so they don't choke. tree →
• The smoke made us choke and cough. tree →
• Don't run with food in your mouth; you could choke. tree →
• She choked back tears at the goodbye. tree →
• If someone is choking and can't talk, get an adult fast. tree →
• The player choked and missed the penalty. tree →
• Iktomi almost choked to death before he could get it out. tree →

Note

Regular verb: choked, choking (drop the e). If a choking person is coughing hard, let them keep coughing; coughing is the body's way to clear the throat. «Choking hazard» on toy boxes means small parts are not safe for young children.