Choke up

usgb
phrasal verb

To be unable to speak because of strong emotion.

He choked up when he talked about his deceased mother.
Visual representation of "choke up" - To be unable to speak because of strong emotion
Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "choke up"
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Emotional Moments

Use 'choke up' when emotions are overwhelming and speech is difficult.

Illustration for Emotional Moments
At the wedding, I choked up during my toast.
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Sensitive Topics

'Choke up' often relates to topics like loss or love that easily stir emotions.

Illustration for Sensitive Topics
She choked up whenever she visited the memorial.
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Not Literally Choking

Don't confuse 'choking up' with physically choking; it's about feeling, not breathing.

Illustration for Not Literally Choking
Reading his letter, I choked up but there was no danger of suffocation.
Visual representation of the word "Choke up"

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