To choke means to have trouble breathing because something is blocking your throat or windpipe. If someone starts choking on a piece of food, it means the food went down the wrong way and is preventing air from getting through. This is dangerous and requires immediate help from an adult or medical professional.

In sports and everyday situations, choke means to fail under pressure, especially when success seemed likely. A basketball player might choke at the free-throw line during a championship game, missing shots they'd normally make because the pressure feels overwhelming. A spelling bee contestant might choke on an easy word in the final round, their mind going blank despite knowing the answer well at home.