General choking:
* Strangle: This implies using force to cut off someone's air supply, often with hands around their neck.
* Suffocate: This refers to dying from a lack of oxygen, which could be caused by choking or other means.
* Gag: This means to choke or vomit due to something unpleasant in the throat.
* Smother: This suggests covering someone or something with something that prevents air from reaching them.
Speaking:
* Muffled: This implies that the sound is suppressed or difficult to hear.
* Drowned out: This means that the sound is overwhelmed by other, louder noises.
* Suppressed: This indicates that the sound is intentionally kept quiet or prevented from being heard.
* Stifled: This implies that the sound is held back or choked off.
Other meanings:
* Quash: This means to put an end to something abruptly.
* Suppress: This can also mean to hold back or control something, including emotions.
The best word to use depends on the specific situation and the desired level of intensity.