choke hold

noun

1
: a hold that involves strong choking pressure applied to the neck of another
2
: absolute dominance or control
had a choke hold on the city's finances

Examples of choke hold in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
During the argument, Thompson was seen putting Gonzalez in a choke hold, according to an arrest warrant affidavit obtained by the Associated Press. Kc Baker, People.com, 5 Feb. 2025 Conditions have in fact never been worse for citizens of Venezuela, as the autocratic regime increases its choke hold on Venezuelan society, driving opposition members, human rights activists, journalists and just about anyone with a different opinion underground or out of the country. Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 2 Feb. 2025 If Neely hadn’t died from Penny’s choke hold but from another cause, any other cause, then a reasonable jury would have no choice but to acquit the defendant. Adam Iscoe, The New Yorker, 9 Dec. 2024 Penny courageously intervened, restraining Neely, including applying a choke hold, until police arrived at a station stop and took Neely away. The Editors, National Review, 9 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for choke hold 

Word History

First Known Use

1964, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of choke hold was in 1964

Dictionary Entries Near choke hold

Cite this Entry

“Choke hold.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/choke%20hold. Accessed 15 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on choke hold

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!