choke back
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle back
Meanings
Suppress an emotion welling up
Why “back”? Something is prevented from moving, growing, or being expressed. It can also remain available as a backup.
“He choked back the tears.”
“She choked back her anger.”
Test yourself
“He choked back the tears.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
bite back
Same back pattern: holding
Stop yourself from saying something that you really want to say
cut back
Same back pattern: holding
Reduce sharply, especially expenditure; Reduce the amount of something, especially spending
fall back
Same back pattern: holding
Move backwards quickly, often in retreat; Use something as a backup when other options fail; Move into a position behind others
fight back
Same back pattern: holding
Defend yourself against an attack; Try to suppress a feeling like tears or anger
hang back
Same back pattern: holding
Hesitate to take part
hold back
Same back pattern: holding
Stop yourself from doing or saying something; Prevent someone or something from progressing; Refuse to give information or feelings
keep back
Same back pattern: holding
Withhold information or feelings
pin back
Same back pattern: holding
Listen very carefully (often 'pin your ears back')
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