strangle

[ strang-guhl ]

verb (used with object)

, stran·gled, stran·gling.

1. to kill by squeezing the throat in order to compress the windpipe and prevent the intake of air, as with the hands or a tightly drawn cord.

   Synonyms: choke, throttle, garrote

2. to kill by stopping the breath in any manner; choke; stifle; suffocate.

   Synonyms: smother

3. to prevent the continuance, growth, rise, or action of; suppress:

   Censorship strangles a free press.

   Synonyms: muzzle, gag, repress, check

verb (used without object)

, stran·gled, stran·gling.

1. to be choked, stifled, or suffocated.

strangle

/ ˈstræŋɡəl /

verb

1. tr to kill by compressing the windpipe; throttle
2. tr to prevent or inhibit the growth or development of

   to strangle originality

3. tr to suppress (an utterance) by or as if by swallowing suddenly

   to strangle a cry

Other Words From

• strangler noun
• strangling·ly adverb
• un·strangled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of strangle¹

1250–1300; Middle English strangelen < Old French estrangler < Latin strangulāre < Greek strangalân, derivative of strangálē halter, akin to strangós twisted

Word History and Origins

Origin of strangle¹

C13: via Old French, ultimately from Greek strangalē a halter

Example Sentences

Dr Brown also warned that the caps could see some universities rescind offers already made to foreign students, strangle vital research programmes, and may mean an increase in fees for some Australian students.

From BBC

Lindsay had been strangled - likely killed on the night she vanished and her body dumped.

From BBC

It felt like the city was being strangled, he said.

From Los Angeles Times

In another incident she described needing to go to the hospital after he “strangled” her during a holiday to Spain.

From BBC

In August 2020, Ms Simpson was beaten and strangled to death.

From BBC

Related Words

• gag
• inhibit
• kill
• restrain
• smother
• suffocate