choke up

To find it hard to speak because you feel very strong emotion.

• I choked up during her speech.
• He always chokes up when he remembers his dog.
• She was choking up and could barely say goodbye.

How to use it: choke up when… (I choke up when I talk about my father.)

Similar words: get a lump in your throat

Common phrases: choke up suddenly, choke up during speeches

To make someone feel so emotional that they find it hard to speak.

• Her letter choked me up.
• The old photos still choke him up.
• It chokes me up to see them reunited.

How to use it: choke someone up (That song always chokes me up.)

Similar words: move, bring to tears

Common phrases: choke up someone, choke up audiences

To fill a passage or opening so that things cannot move through it.

• Leaves choke up the drain.
• Sand had choked up the narrow channel.
• The pipe is choked up with rubbish.

How to use it: choke something up (Leaves choked the drain up.); be choked up with something (The pipe was choked up with mud.)

Similar words: clog, block, plug

Opposites: unblock

Common phrases: choke up drains, choke up pipes

To hold a bat farther above its handle end, usually for better control.

• Choke up a little on the bat.
• She choked up before the next pitch.
• Batters sometimes choke up when they need more control.

How to use it: choke up on something (Choke up on the bat for better control.)

Similar words: shorten your grip

Common phrases: choke up slightly, choke up on bats

To stop speaking or become silent.

• He choked up and said nothing.
• She choked up when the teacher interrupted her.
• Why did you choke up halfway through your answer?

Similar words: fall silent, stop talking

Common phrases: choke up suddenly, choke up completely