choke back

As congregants shared what they lost after a recent service, they choked back tears and pledged to persevere.

Barrett’s voice was tightly coiled, as though he was choking back the indignation roiling inside him.

A South L.A. woman choking back tears said she had been living in her car for 18 months with her family and dog because she had no money.

“It’s the least I can do for them letting me stay with them and get better,” Coburn said, choking back tears.

As the singer made her way from the audience to the stage, Gerwig seemed to be choking back both laughter and tears.