In engineering, a choke is a device for restricting airflow. More generally, a choke point is any constriction in a conduit or transport system, e.g. a narrowing of a road.
Many internal combustion engines used to have a choke valve (activated automatically by a thermal valve, or a lever or pull handle on the dashboard while starting the engine) that would restrict the air flow in the carburetor so as to enrich the fuel-air mixture. This device fell into disuse after the development of fuel injection and electronic ignition systems, but is still found in carbureted motorcycles and other special-purpose engines.
A choke in a shotgun is a restriction or narrowing of the barrel, intended to tighten the shot pattern.
In electrical engineering and electronics, a choke or choking coil is low-resistance inductor used to block alternating current while passing direct current.
As a verb, to choke generally means to restrict airflow, or to suffer restricted airflow, whether caused by such a device or by accidental obstruction. In medical use, for instance, choking is the blocking of a person's trachea by a foreign object, vomitus, blood or other fluids. It is also used, as slang, to denote a failure on the part of an individual athlete, or an athletic team, to win a championship, especially either when favoured to do so, or after squandering a large lead late in a season or tournament. Similarly, it is the term used to desribe the failure of a rapper or MC to perform on stage.
Choke is the name of a novel by Chuck Palahniuk; see Choke (novel).
Choke is the name of a Music Collective in Bristol, a city in the South West of the UK. Formed in 2001 by various musicians it's aim was to promote live music in the city through non-profit events, a free fanzine and a lively, uncensored [internet forum]. It helped champion the early careers of acts such as Chikinki, Gravenhurst and Geisha.
