strangles

[ strang-guhlz ]

noun

, (used with a singular verb)

1. distemper ¹( def 1b ).

strangles

/ ˈstræŋɡəlz /

noun

1. functioning as singular an acute bacterial disease of horses caused by infection with Streptococcus equi , characterized by inflammation of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, resulting in abscesses and a nasal discharge Also calledequine distemper

Word History and Origins

Origin of strangles¹

1590–1600; obsolete strangle act of strangling + -s ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of strangles¹

C18: from strangle

Example Sentences

Christopher nearly strangles her to death when he learns that she’s an informant.

From Los Angeles Times

Victims are placed on their stomachs with a rope around their ankles and neck, and the weight of their legs slowly strangles them.

From Science Magazine

“What this bill does is strangle any concept of diversity. It strangles the freedom to learn and teach. We refuse to stand by and simply accept that,” Garvin said.

From Seattle Times

But in the most harrowing episode of the series, "Long Term Parking," he almost strangles her to death when it is discovered she is a mole for the FBI.

From Salon

In the later seasons of the show, Homer strangles Bart less and less because of public criticism about the violence.

From Salon