The word "choke" refers to the action of blocking or obstructing the flow of something, often used in the context of breathing. When someone chokes, it typically means that something, like food or an object, has entered the throat or airway and is preventing normal breathing. The term can also be used metaphorically to describe a failure to perform, often under pressure, such as "choking" during a competition.
The word "choke" comes from the Old English word "cēocan," which means “to choke or gag.” Its roots are related to similar words in other Germanic languages, indicating a long-standing linguistic history associated with obstructing the throat or airway.