2001 novel by Chuck Palahniuk (5)
![Ross](/clue/static/ross-mug.min.png)
I believe the answer is:
choke
(Other definitions for choke that I've seen before include "Have breathing obstructed - carburettor valve" , "Become speechless (with emotion)" , "cause congestion" , "Have difficulty breathing" , "Prevent from getting air" .)