strangle

1 of 2

verb

stran·​gle ˈstraŋ-gəl How to pronounce strangle (audio)
strangled; strangling ˈstraŋ-g(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce strangle (audio)
Synonyms of stranglenext

transitive verb

1
a
: to choke to death by compressing the throat with something (such as a hand or rope) : throttle
b
: to obstruct seriously or fatally the normal breathing of
c
: stifle
2
: to suppress or hinder the rise, expression, or growth of
repression strangles free speech

intransitive verb

1
: to become strangled
2
: to die from or as if from interference with breathing
strangler
ˈstraŋ-g(ə-)lər How to pronounce strangle (audio)
noun

strangler

2 of 2

noun

stran·​gler ˈstraŋglə(r) How to pronounce strangler (audio)
-aiŋ-
plural -s
1
: one that strangles
2
British : choke sense 2a

Synonyms of strangle

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Verb

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Examples of strangle in a Sentence

Verb The weeds are strangling the plant. The company is trying to strangle the smaller competition.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
Instead of having a thousand flowers bloom, a thousand weeds end up strangling them. — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 28 June 2026 Not cut the taxes strangling working families and British business. — Alastair Grant, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026 The empress returns to her chambers to weep, only to be strangled by a eunuch under the noble consort’s orders. — Lavender Au, The Dial, 30 June 2026 She was likely strangled, the pathologist concluded. — Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for strangle

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Anglo-French estrangler, from Latin strangulare, from Greek strangalan, from strangalē halter — more at strain

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of strangle was in the 14th century

Rhymes for strangle

See All Rhymes for strangle

Browse Nearby Words

Strangite
strangle
stranglehold
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Strangle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/strangle. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

strangle

verb
stran·​gle ˈstraŋ-gəl How to pronounce strangle (audio)
strangled; strangling -g(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce strangle (audio)
1
: to choke to death by squeezing the throat
2
: to cause (someone or something) to choke or suffocate
3
: to suppress or hinder the rise, growth, or expression of
these rules are strangling my creativity
4
: to become strangled
5
: to die by or as if by interference with breathing
strangler
-g(ə-)lər How to pronounce strangle (audio)
noun

Medical Definition

strangle

verb
stran·​gle ˈstraŋ-gəl How to pronounce strangle (audio)
strangled; strangling -g(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce strangle (audio)

transitive verb

1
: to choke to death by compressing the throat with something (as a hand or rope)
2
: to obstruct seriously or fatally the normal breathing of
the bone wedged in his throat and strangled him

intransitive verb

1
: to become strangled : undergo a severe interference with breathing
2
: to die from interference with breathing

More from Merriam-Webster on strangle

Nglish: Translation of strangle for Spanish Speakers

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