Chokehold: meaning, definitions and examples

Commonly used in the context of physical combat, police procedures, or martial arts to describe a specific grip that restricts air supply.

• The officer used a chokehold to subdue the suspect.
• In the final moments of the match, she applied a chokehold for the win.

Often used in both physical combat scenarios and metaphorically to describe a controlling or dominating influence. It can have a negative connotation when used metaphorically.

• He had the enemy in a stranglehold, preventing any escape.
• The company's monopoly has created a stranglehold on the market, stifling competition.

Used mainly in wrestling or other martial arts to describe a hold around the neck. It focuses more on the positioning rather than the intention to restrict air supply.

• The wrestler expertly applied a neck lock to his opponent.
• She practiced different neck locks during her jiu-jitsu training.

Typically used in medical or biological contexts to describe the narrowing of the air passage. It is more technical and less associated with physical combat.

• The patient's severe asthma caused significant airway constriction.
• Airway constriction can be a symptom of an allergic reaction.

This term is often used in law enforcement, self-defense, or when discussing controversial police techniques. It generally refers to a hold around the neck that can restrict breathing.

• The officer placed the suspect in a chokehold to subdue him.
• There has been much debate about the use of chokeholds by police.

This term can be used in both physical and metaphorical contexts. Physically, it describes a hold that severely restricts breathing or blood flow. Metaphorically, it describes a situation in which someone has complete control or dominance over something.

• The attacker had a stranglehold on his victim, making it hard for him to breathe.
• The company has a stranglehold on the market, making it impossible for competitors to thrive.

Used primarily in the context of combat sports like mixed martial arts, wrestling, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a submission hold is any technique that forces an opponent to submit, often through pain or the threat of injury.

• The wrestler used a submission hold to force his opponent to tap out.
• Learning various submission holds is crucial for any mixed martial artist.

Commonly used in martial arts and combat sports like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a blood choke applies pressure to the carotid arteries, restricting blood flow to the brain and leading to unconsciousness.

• The fighter executed a perfect blood choke, and his opponent had to tap out.
• In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, mastering the blood choke is essential for advanced practitioners.