choke off
C1 formal separable transitive
In simple words
To make something stop happening by blocking what it needs to survive or continue.
Literal meaning: To choke (strangle) and cut off — the image of strangulation blocking flow.
Meanings
1 C1
idiomatic
formal
To stop or severely restrict the flow, supply, or development of something.
"The trade sanctions were designed to choke off the regime's access to foreign currency."
Grammar: separable
2 C1
idiomatic
formal
To bring a discussion, process, or activity to an abrupt end by removing its conditions.
"The new regulations effectively choked off any meaningful competition in the sector."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Common in economics, politics, and journalism: 'choke off growth,' 'choke off supply.' Also used in physical contexts (choking off a water pipe). Has a more formal register than many phrasal verbs and appears frequently in written prose.
Commonly used with
growth supply debate competition demand investment
Forms
Base
choke off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
chokes off
he/she/it
Past simple
choked off
yesterday
Past participle
choked off
have + pp
-ing form
choking off
continuous
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Synonyms
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