choke off

verb4

1. •
   To get rid of; to cause to come to an end.
2. •
   To stop (someone or something) in the execution of a purpose or task; to stop (someone) from doing something.

   • "It was a discreditable business. There were one or two folk who were inclined to take him seriously, but he soon choked them off." "How?" "Well, by his insufferable rudeness and impossible behavior." — 1912
3. •
   To choke up; to choke on words.
4. •
   To cause (someone) to lose interest or drift off from a conversation.