What does garrote mean?
Garrote is an uncommon but forceful English word with both a noun and a verb use. As a noun, it refers to a cord, wire, or mechanical tightening device designed for strangulation, as well as to the act or method of death by strangulation with such a device. As a verb, garrote means to strangle or kill someone using a garrote. It can also be used figuratively for the forceful suppression of speech, opposition, or an institution. The word is especially associated with historical accounts of political assassination, secret imprisonment, and execution, which gives it a more violent and specialized atmosphere than the general verb strangle. In modern writing, it is most likely to appear in discussions of political violence, espionage, or oppressive institutions. Garrote entered English from Spanish in the early seventeenth century, while the verb became established in English later. Although uncommon, the word remains useful because it identifies a particular method of strangulation and vividly evokes secrecy, coercion, and silencing.
A cord, wire, or similar device used to strangle a person, especially in an execution or political killing; also, the act or method of strangling with such a device.
"The investigators believed that the narrow wire had been used as a garrote."
The countable noun usually denotes a physical device. The method or act is commonly used in expressions such as death by garrote and is generally treated as uncountable.
To strangle or kill someone with a garrote; figuratively, to suppress or silence someone forcefully.
"The officer was garrotted before he could reveal the location of the archive."
This verb is strongly associated with deliberate killing and is more specific and dramatic than strangle.
The plural is used for distinct physical devices. The method itself is normally expressed without a plural, as in death by garrote.
"The executioners prepared two garrotes, though only one was needed."
A garrote turns a length of cord into a weapon—and, figuratively, a tool for silencing dissent.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of garrote
The English noun was borrowed from Spanish garrote, meaning a strangling device or the act of strangling, during the early seventeenth century; the English verb was adopted later. The Spanish verb garrotear and the French forms garrot and garrotage belong to the same lexical family. The ultimate origin of the Spanish form is uncertain, so etymological claims linking it more precisely to another language should be treated cautiously.
Related word forms
How garrote is actually used
Garrote is relatively uncommon in everyday English and occurs most often in historical, political, or literary contexts. As a verb, it is more dramatic and specifically violent than strangle; its figurative use conveys forceful suppression or silencing.