stranglehold

noun

stran·​gle·​hold ˈstraŋ-gəl-ˌhōld 

1

: an illegal wrestling hold by which one's opponent is choked

2

: a force or influence that chokes or suppresses freedom of movement or expression

Examples of stranglehold in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Despite these two lapping the rest of the pack in the men’s game, Alcaraz appears to have a stranglehold in their recent meetings. —Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025

Since then, Houston has maintained a stranglehold on the series, leading 31-11. —Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Sep. 2025

Can either team end the Kansas City Chiefs' stranglehold on the AFC? —Jim Reineking, USA Today, 29 Aug. 2025

The Tribune wrote about The Austin Voice in 1991 after the newspaper took on a notorious street gang that had a stranglehold on the community for years, according to Tribune archives. —Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for stranglehold

• copyhold
• decontrolled
• hundredfold
• manifold
• marigold
• oversold
• petioled
• sevenfold
• subthreshold
• thousandfold
• uncontrolled
• ahold

Kids Definition

stranglehold

noun

stran·​gle·​hold ˈstraŋ-gəl-ˌhōld 

1

: an illegal wrestling hold by which one's opponent is choked

2

: a force or influence that chokes or blocks freedom of development or expression