strangulation

noun

stran·​gu·​la·​tion ˌstraŋ-gyə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce strangulation (audio)
1
: the action or process of strangling or strangulating
2
: the state of being strangled or strangulated
especially : excessive or pathological constriction or compression of a bodily tube (such as a blood vessel or a loop of intestine) that interrupts its ability to act as a passage

Examples of strangulation in a Sentence

The cause of death was strangulation.
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.
Detectives determined that Zeisler had died from strangulation with a phone cord, and that his 1997 Dodge Neon was missing along with the keys to his home. — Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 24 June 2026 Tyler had originally been charged with first-degree rape, along with false imprisonment, simple robbery, domestic abuse battery by strangulation and criminal damage to property. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 17 June 2026 Stalking and strangulation-related offenses, whether charged as misdemeanors or felonies, will now also be permanently disqualifying. — Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 27 June 2026 Sean McGuire was acquitted on Friday in the November 2019 strangulation killing of Betty McGuire. — Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for strangulation

Word History

First Known Use

1542, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of strangulation was in 1542

Rhymes for strangulation

See All Rhymes for strangulation

Browse Nearby Words

strangulated blade
strangulation
strangury
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Strangulation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/strangulation. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

strangulation

noun
stran·​gu·​la·​tion ˌstraŋ-gyə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce strangulation (audio)
1
: an act or process of strangling
2
: the state of being strangled

Medical Definition

strangulation

noun
stran·​gu·​la·​tion ˌstraŋ-gyə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce strangulation (audio)
1
: the action or process of strangling or strangulating
2
: the state of being strangled or strangulated
especially : excessive or pathological constriction or compression of a bodily tube (as a blood vessel or a loop of intestine) that interrupts its ability to act as a passage
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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