If you've ever been so overwhelmed emotionally that your throat tightens and words just won't come out, you've been verklempt.
The word verklempt is borrowed from Yiddish, where it literally means "pinched" or "squeezed." It perfectly describes that sensation of emotions welling up and pressing against your chest, leaving you momentarily speechless from joy, sadness, or pride. You might feel verklempt at a wedding, when watching a tragic movie, or when suddenly realizing you're in love.