Choke back Meaning in English
expression
ˈtʃoʊk/ /ˈbæk
CHOHK-BAK
tʃˈəʊk/ /bˈæk
CHOHK-BAK
Definition
To try hard not to let something, especially tears or emotions, show or come out.
Usage & Nuances
Used mostly in emotional or dramatic contexts, often about suppressing tears, anger, or sadness. Common with words like 'tears', 'anger', 'sob', 'emotion'. More formal than simply 'hold back'.
Spanish: contener - reprimirPortuguese (BR): conter - reprimirPortuguese (PT): conter - reprimirChinese (Simplified): 强忍（情感） - 忍住Chinese (Traditional): 強忍（情感） - 忍住Hindi: दबा लेना - रोक लेनाArabic: يكبت - يمنع (المشاعر)Bengali: সংযত রাখা - দমিয়ে রাখা - গোপন রাখা (অভিব্যক্তি)Russian: сдерживать - подавлять (эмоции)Japanese: こらえる - 抑える (感情)Vietnamese: kìm nén - nuốt vào trong (cảm xúc)Korean: 억누르다 - 참다 (감정)Turkish: bastırmak - içine atmak (duygu)Urdu: دبانا - ضبط کرنا (جذبات)Indonesian: menahan - mengekang (emosi)
Example Sentences
She tried to choke back her tears at the airport.
basic
He could not choke back his anger during the meeting.
basic
She had to choke back a sob when she heard the news.
basic
I had to choke back my excitement so I wouldn't ruin the surprise.
natural
You could see she was trying hard to choke back her disappointment.
natural
He barely managed to choke back a laugh at the wrong moment.
natural