Meaning & Definition of word "Strangle"

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    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.