chokehold

USAGE SUMMARY

"chokehold" is a correct term in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation in which one person has another person in a grip around the throat, usually to subdue or strangle them. For example: "The suspect was put in a chokehold by the police officer until he was subdued."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Related: Pasco police shooting: victim's American dream ends in violent reality Crump told the Guardian he believed that the shooting represented an "intersection between what happened to Michael Brown in Ferguson [who was shot dead by police officer Darren Wilson] and Eric Garner in Staten Island [who was killed after being placed in a banned chokehold by police]".

The Guardian

Garner's last words, "I can't breathe", caught on camera after Pantaleo held him in a chokehold, became the byword for racial injustices in the US.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The officer's alleged non-response seemed to follow the pattern of the July 2014 arrest, and subsequent death, of Eric Garner on Staten Island – where after officer Daniel Pantaleo was caught on video applying an apparent chokehold to him for selling loose cigarettes, officers didn't respond to Garner's repeated cries of "I can't breathe".

The Guardian

Even if the lists are lengthened to include the families of the main targets, the sanctions will fall far short of the chokehold on Iran's economy.

The Economist

Despite its new pro-western orientation, the party remains a secretive bureaucracy with dubious democratic credentials and a chokehold on the broadcast media.

The Economist

Israel's system of proportional voting has given the settlers and zealots a chokehold over politics.

The Economist

A black environmentalist with a reputation for probity and the promise of breaking the PT-PSDB chokehold on power, she had already managed a solid third place in the presidential election of 2010, with 20m votes.

The Economist

Even so it seems shocking that the video of the police officer using the deadly chokehold was not enough to warrant an indictment.

The Economist

One is Russia, which is trying to keep its chokehold on gas supplies to eastern Europe.

The Economist

The rickety social system that somehow held Gaza together is falling apart.In this section One among many The Smack Track Blind to bloodshed Cold misery ReprintsA host of initiatives to release the chokehold have come to nothing.

The Economist

The large bruises on his neck and burst blood vessels around his eyes and larynx showed that an illegal chokehold had been applied by Mr Livoti.Mr Livoti was acquitted of criminally negligent homicide in a judge-only trial in state court in October 1996.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "chokehold" in a metaphorical sense (e.g., "a chokehold on the economy"), ensure the context clearly indicates the restrictive or suppressive nature of the control being described.

Common error

Avoid using "chokehold" when a milder term like "strong influence" or "significant impact" is more appropriate, as "chokehold" suggests severe and often negative constraint.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "chokehold" is as a noun, referring to a specific type of physical restraint or, metaphorically, to a form of restrictive control. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in both concrete and abstract contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

9%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "chokehold" functions primarily as a noun, denoting either a physical restraint or a metaphor for restrictive control. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the term is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news and media, formal business contexts, and scientific discussions. When using "chokehold", it's essential to consider its strong connotations of restriction and potential harm, opting for milder terms when appropriate. The phrase sees frequent usage in contexts related to law enforcement, business, and politics. Notable sources employing the term include The Economist, The Guardian, and The New Yorker. To ensure clarity, especially in metaphorical applications, ensure the context supports the intended meaning of severe limitation or suppression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stranglehold

Similar in meaning, emphasizing forceful constraint.

throttlehold

A synonym denoting a tight and restrictive grip.

constricting grip

Emphasizes the action of tightening and restricting.

suffocating grasp

Emphasizes the feeling of being overwhelmed or suppressed.

iron fist

Implies harsh and oppressive control.

repressive control

Focuses on the suppressive nature of the control.

domineering control

Highlights the overbearing and assertive nature of control.

undue influence

Focuses on control achieved through less direct means.

tight grip

A more general term for firm control.

dominant position

Highlights the aspect of superiority and control.

FAQs

How is the term "chokehold" used in the context of law enforcement?

In law enforcement, "chokehold" refers to a specific type of physical restraint that can restrict breathing. Its use is controversial and often restricted due to the risk of serious injury or death, as seen in discussions surrounding "Eric Garner"'s death.

What are some alternatives to using "chokehold" in a business context?

In business, instead of "chokehold", you could use terms like "dominant position", "significant control", or "strong influence" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the term "chokehold" metaphorically?

It's appropriate to use "chokehold" metaphorically when describing something that severely restricts or suppresses something else. For example, "high interest rates put a chokehold on economic growth" illustrates a severe restriction.

What is the difference between "chokehold" and "stranglehold"?

"Chokehold" and "stranglehold" are often used interchangeably, but "stranglehold" can sometimes imply a more prolonged or inescapable form of control or dominance, whereas "chokehold" might suggest a more immediate or acute restriction.