Crossword Genius

With it, chap nearly choked (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

apnea

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'with it chap nearly choked' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'with it chap nearly' is the wordplay.
'with' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue.
'APNEA' is hidden within 'it chap nearly'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for apnea that I've seen before include "stopping breathing in US" , "Loss of breath" , "that'll make you catch your breath?" , "Cessation of breathing during sleep (US spelling)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Hindu.
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