also: つっかえる
ichidan verb, intransitive verb
feel a lump or blockage in the chest or throat; feel choked up
Describes a physical sensation of tightness or obstruction in the chest or throat, often due to strong emotion (grief, anxiety) or illness. Cross-referenced with 閊える sense 5, which shares this meaning.
See also: 閊える
悲しみで胸がつかえて、言葉が出なかった。
My chest felt so tight with grief that I couldn't speak.
Maybe because of my cold, my throat feels blocked.