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.
The biggest change for survivors, Kenyon said, is that JPS will now be able to respond with a forensic nurse 24/7 for victims of intimate partner violence and strangulation. — Ciara McCarthy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Oct. 2026 Cooper faces numerous charges, including one of felony strangulation of his then-girlfriend. — ABC News, 16 Oct. 2026 Police said the metadata on the video of the apparent strangulation was dated 2017, the year before Nicole was last seen. — Danny Freeman, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2026 Court records show he's been charged with third-degree murder, strangulation, involuntary manslaughter and recklessly endangering another person. — CBS News, 8 Oct. 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 28 Oct. 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
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