1. To lose one's composure, especially in a pressured situation:
* Example: "She choked up when she saw her family in the audience."
2. In sports, to adjust one's grip on a bat or club closer to the end:
* Example: "The batter choked up on the bat to give him more control."
3. To become clogged or blocked:
* Example: "The drain choked up with hair and soap."
4. To be unable to breathe properly, often due to an emotion or physical condition:
* Example: "He choked up on the smoke and coughed."
5. In slang, to be overwhelmed with emotion, often negative:
* Example: "I choked up when I realized how much I'd lost."
The meaning of "choke up" will usually be clear from the context of the sentence. If you're unsure, try looking up the word in a dictionary or online resource.