strangulation

noun

stran·​gu·​la·​tion ˌstraŋ-gyə-ˈlā-shən 

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

The Erie County Medical Examiner’s Office determined that Kathleen Carrig's manner of death was homicide caused by asphyxia due to strangulation. —Jenna Sundel, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025

King had been charged with kidnapping and strangulation stemming from a domestic incident earlier this year, Philadelphia Assistant District Attorney Ashley Toczylowski said following his arrest. —Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 23 Oct. 2025

This measure is meant to prevent self-harm by strangulation or hanging. —Rachel Wegner, Nashville Tennessean, 22 Oct. 2025

King was accused of kidnapping and strangulation, but Toczylowski said the charges were dropped after the victim failed to appear in court. —Doha Madani, NBC news, 20 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1542, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for strangulation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

strangulation

noun

stran·​gu·​la·​tion ˌstraŋ-gyə-ˈlā-shən 

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 

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