strangle

verb

stran·​gle ˈstraŋ-gəl 

strangled; strangling ˈstraŋ-g(ə-)liŋ 

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 

noun

Synonyms of strangle

• choke
• stifle
• suffocate
• smother
• drown

Examples of strangle in a Sentence

The weeds are strangling the plant.

The company is trying to strangle the smaller competition.

Recent Examples on the Web

Corie Walsh, 40, of Frankfort – an Illinois village southwest of Chicago – is accused of strangling her son Barrett to death, according to court documents. — Andy Rose, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2026

Mikel Arteta’s champions are built around a solid defence and strangling the opposition through possession, while Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea have had very little of the ball during his first few games, but have still built an exciting style. — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026

They were found dead in the family basement, having been gruesomely strangled one by one with exercise bands. — Richard E. Vatz, Baltimore Sun, 6 Sep. 2026

Lindsay Clancy was accused of strangling the three children with workout bands and then attempted suicide, including by jumping out a window, leaving her paralyzed. — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

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

Rhymes for strangle

• angle
• bangle
• dangle
• jangle
• mangle
• tangle
• wrangle
• disentangle
• entangle
• quadrangle
• triangle
• untangle

Kids Definition

strangle

verb

stran·​gle ˈstraŋ-gəl 

strangled; strangling -g(ə-)liŋ 

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 

noun

Medical Definition

strangle

verb

stran·​gle ˈstraŋ-gəl 

strangled; strangling -g(ə-)liŋ 

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