What does chokehold mean?
A chokehold is a firm grip applied around a person's neck, typically to restrict breathing or the flow of blood to the brain. It appears most often in discussions of wrestling, mixed martial arts, self-defense, and policing, where its use is frequently controversial and sometimes banned outright because of the risk of serious injury or death. Beyond its literal meaning, chokehold has developed a strong figurative sense: it describes an oppressive or dominating hold over a person, institution, or system, as in 'the company's chokehold on the market.' This metaphorical usage is common in political and economic commentary, where it connotes power exercised unfairly or coercively. The word combines 'choke' and 'hold,' making its meaning transparent even to first-time readers. Whether describing a physical restraint or an abstract form of control, chokehold reliably signals intensity, danger, and the exertion of force by one party over another.
nounA tight grip around someone's neck that restricts breathing or blood flow, typically used in wrestling, martial arts, or as a means of subduing or attacking a person. Figuratively, it denotes a powerful, oppressive control over someone or something.
- A grip applied around the neck to restrict breathing or blood flow, used in fighting or restraint.
- Figurative control or dominance over a person, organization, or situation.
"The officer placed the suspect in a chokehold to restrain him."
"He escaped the chokehold just before losing consciousness."
"The monopoly had a chokehold on the entire market for decades."
Regular plural formation; used when referring to multiple instances of the grip or multiple figurative controls.
"Several martial arts disciplines teach different types of chokeholds."
In many police departments and combat sports, the chokehold is so dangerous it has been banned — yet it remains one of the most instantly recognizable restraints in the world.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of chokehold
Chokehold is a compound noun formed from the verb 'choke' (from Old English 'aceocian,' meaning to suffocate) and 'hold' (from Old English 'healdan'). It emerged in English relatively recently compared with older compound words, gaining prominence in the twentieth century alongside the growth of organized combat sports and public discussion of police tactics. Its cognates are essentially the component words themselves rather than borrowed foreign roots.
How chokehold is actually used
Common in both literal contexts (wrestling, law enforcement, self-defense) and figurative journalism. The figurative sense often carries negative connotations of oppression or unfair control. In some jurisdictions and sports governing bodies, chokeholds are restricted or prohibited due to safety concerns.
Easily confused with chokehold
A stranglehold is also a neck grip but is more commonly used figuratively for total domination, whereas chokehold retains a stronger literal physical sense.