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."
separable
choke off
C1 formal separable transitive
To stop or restrict something by cutting off its supply, flow, or source.
In plain English
To make something stop happening by blocking what it needs to survive or continue.
What does "choke off" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To choke (strangle) and cut off — the image of strangulation blocking flow.
Actually means
To make something stop happening by blocking what it needs to survive or continue.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "choke off"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
growth supply debate competition demand investment
How to conjugate "choke off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "choke off" in the wild
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Other ways to say "choke off"
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