choke etymology

Etymology:

The word "choke" has a complex etymological history, originating from multiple Germanic and Indo-European roots:

  • Proto-Germanic: kōk-, *kūkanan ("to cough, choke, gag")
  • Old English: cōcian ("to retch, choke")
  • Middle English: choken ("to suffocate, strangle")

Meaning:

The primary meaning of "choke" is to:

  • To block or obstruct the passage of air or other substances into or out of the throat or respiratory system.

Origin:

The Indo-European root kōk-/kū- likely originated from an onomatopoetic sound imitating the sound of coughing or choking. This root has been found in numerous languages across the Indo-European family, including Sanskrit, Ancient Greek, and Latin.

Over time, the word "choke" evolved through Middle English into Modern English, where it acquired additional meanings related to:

  • To make someone unable to speak or breathe.
  • To block or hinder progress or activity.
  • To suppress or stifle emotions.
  • To be overwhelmed by grief, fear, or anxiety.

choke relate terms

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  • jowl

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  • chokage

    Etymology Late Middle English in the sense to suffocate choke from Old French

  • choke

    Etymology The word choke has a complex etymological history originating from multiple

  • decease

    Etymology Old French deces Latin decessus from decedere to depart De prefix me

  • perish

    Etymology Old French perir Latin perire from per meaning completely ire mean

  • anxious

    Etymology and Meaning of Anxious Etymology The word anxious derives from the Latin

  • stifle

    Etymology Old English stefelan Proto Germanic stuflijaną Proto Indo European

  • lupin

    Etymology The word lupin comes from the Latin lupus which means wolf This is like

  • stroppy

    Etymology The word stroppy is derived from the Middle English word strope meaning a

  • press

    Etymology The word press originates from the Old French word presse which in turn c

  • squeeze

    Etymology The word squeeze comes from the Middle English word squisen which is in t

  • become

    Etymology The word etymology comes from the Greek words etymon meaning true sense