1. a wrestling or martial arts hold in which one person’s arm is placed around another person’s neck to restrict breathing or blood flow
Usage: martial arts; wrestling
2. complete control or dominating influence over someone or something
Usage: figurative

Examples

• The wrestler applied a chokehold to his opponent.
• Police departments have banned the use of chokeholds during arrests.
• The martial arts instructor demonstrated the proper technique for escaping a chokehold.
• The monopoly had a chokehold on the entire industry.
• High rent prices have a chokehold on young families trying to buy homes.
• The dictator maintained a chokehold on the country’s media.
• She felt like her debt had a chokehold on her future plans.