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choke back

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choke something back

to fight hard to keep something from coming out of one's mouth, such as sobs, tears, angry words, vomit, etc. I tried to choke the unpleasant words back, but I could not. She choked back her grief, but it came forth nonetheless. I could hardly choke my tears back.

See also: back, choke

choke back

Suppress, as in He choked back his tears. [Late 1800s]

See also: back, choke

choke back

v.

To suppress or hold something back, especially with great effort: I choked back tears as I told my family the sad news.

See also: back, choke