Meaning & Definition of word "Strangle"

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.