Meaning & Definition of word "Strangle"
to
Strangle
/ˈstræŋɡəl/
verb:
- 1. to kill or injure someone by squeezing their throat tightly, preventing them from breathing.
- Example: He tried to strangle the thief who had attacked him.
- 2. to prevent someone from breathing easily or to choke them.
- Example: The thick smoke began to strangle the people trapped inside the building.
- 3. to restrict or impede the growth or development of something.
- Example: The new regulations could strangle small businesses by imposing heavy fines.
- 4. to silence or repress someone or something.
- Example: Censorship can strangle free speech in a society.
Etymology
Middle English 'stranglen', from Old French 'estrangler', from Latin 'extringulare' (to squeeze out, tighten).
Common Phrases and Expressions
strangle hold:
A strong grip that restrains someone; figuratively, it can refer to a situation that is hard to escape from.
strangled cry:
A noise made due to distress or fear, often sounding choked.
strangle the life out of something:
To severely restrict or suppress vital aspects of something.
Related Words
choke:
To obstruct the airway of someone.
suffocate:
To die from lack of air or oxygen.
smother:
To suffocate someone by covering their nose and mouth.
Slang Meanings of strangle
Meaning: To be overwhelmed or pressured.
Example Sentence: I felt like the workload was going to strangle me.
Meaning: To be unable to breathe easily due to stress.
Example Sentence: The deadlines are strangling my creativity.