Choked Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฎโ๐จ
choked
[tสoสkt ]
Definitions
physical obstruction
Choked refers to the act of obstructing the normal flow of air into the lungs, typically by something lodged in the throat. This can occur accidentally while eating or can be a result of a more severe medical condition. Choking can lead to a lack of oxygen, resulting in unconsciousness or even death if not promptly addressed. The term can also be used figuratively to describe a failure to perform under pressure.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He choked on a piece of meat.
- She was so nervous that she choked during her speech.
- They choked each other while play-fighting.
- He choked up when he heard the sad news.
emotional reaction
Choked can also indicate a moment when someone becomes overwhelmed with emotion, causing them to struggle to speak or express themselves. This reaction often occurs in response to sadness, joy, or nostalgia, and is characterized by a noticeable pause or catch in the voice.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She choked up while talking about her childhood.
- He often chokes on his words when discussing difficult topics.
- She choked back tears during the farewell.
- The singer choked on the last note of the song.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Choking under pressure is a common phenomenon where high-stress situations impede performance, often seen in sports.
- This response can be linked to anxiety levels; when anxious, people may forget skills they normally perform well.
- Training and exposure can help reduce the chances of choking, showcasing the impact of mental preparation.
Health
- Choking is a leading cause of accidental death, particularly among children, highlighting the need for safety measures like proper eating techniques.
- Common causes of choking include food that is too large, poorly chewed, or having tough textures.
- The Heimlich maneuver is an emergency technique taught to help clear an airway obstruction effectively.
Pop Culture
- Movies often portray choking as a dramatic moment, adding tension when a character struggles to breathe.
- The phrase 'choking in front of an audience' is frequently used in comedy and drama to depict fear and failure.
- In music, artists sometimes use 'choked up' to describe overwhelming emotions during performances.
Literature
- In literature, choking can symbolize emotional barriers, with characters feeling suffocated by their feelings.
- Choking imagery tends to evoke strong emotions or themes of despair and loss in poetic works.
- Notable authors often use choking metaphors to convey a character's struggle under pressure or in troubling situations.
Origin of 'choked'
Main points about word origin
- The word originates from the Old English 'cecian,' which means to 'suffocate' or 'strangle.'
- In Middle English, 'choken' referred to both physical choking and emotional suffocation.
- The term has evolved to encompass both literal and metaphorical meanings in language.
The word 'choke' originates from the Old English word 'cฤocian', which means to 'gag' or 'choke'. This term has its roots in Proto-Germanic '*kiukลnฤ ' and is related to similar words in other Germanic languages, such as the Old Norse 'kรณk', which means 'to choke or throttle'. Over the centuries, the word evolved to encompass a broader range of meanings, including both the physical act of obstructing breath and the figurative sense of being overwhelmed emotionally. The varying contexts of usage have enriched the word's meaning in modern English, allowing it to be applied to situations involving both physical and emotional difficulty. The dual nature of the term is evident in everyday conversations, as people often use 'choke' to refer both to literal choking and metaphorical choking under pressure.