What does strangling mean?
Strangling refers to killing or seriously injuring a person or animal by compressing the neck, thereby obstructing breathing or blood circulation. It can also describe the suppression or overpowering of something through excessive pressure, as in the image of vines strangling a tree or business tactics strangling competitors. The word is forceful and carries clear associations with suffocation, restraint, and loss of control. Because it names a potentially fatal method of causing injury, its literal use has legal and medical importance and should be handled with care. Figuratively, it is especially effective when describing anything that prevents freedom, growth, competition, or creative development. The expression conveys not merely obstruction but an influence so strong that the affected person or thing cannot continue normally.
To kill or seriously injure someone or an animal by compressing the neck; figuratively, to suppress or overpower something.
"The thick ivy was strangling the oak as it climbed toward the canopy."
The literal sense describes a serious or fatal act. The figurative sense is common in contexts involving repression, competition, debt, or constrained growth.
The act or process of strangling someone or something, whether literal or figurative.
"Historians described the government's systematic strangling of independent journalism."
This is less common than the verb form but is readily understood in both literal and figurative contexts.
So intense, restrictive, or overwhelming as to choke, suppress, or overpower.
"The singer delivered a strangling performance that left the audience silent."
This participial use is figurative and often conveys extreme intensity or emotional force.
This plural is rare and would normally refer to separate acts or instances of strangling.
"The investigation documented several individual stranglings during the same period."
“Strangling” shares its Latin root with “strangulate,” a word now most often encountered in medicine and forensic language.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does strangling come from?
The word comes through Middle English from Old French strangler, a verb meaning “to strangle.” This was borrowed from Latin strangulare, from strangula, meaning “halter” or “something that constricts.” The Latin root also underlies English forms such as strangulate and strangulation, as well as the family of words associated with strangler.
Related word forms
How strangling is actually used
Literal uses describe a fatal or potentially fatal act involving neck compression and carry serious legal connotations. Figurative uses commonly concern the suppression of dissent, competition, creativity, or growth; these are generally less violent in implication but still suggest excessive control.
Easily confused with strangling
Strangling is the act or process of choking someone, whereas strangulation is more commonly the resulting medical or legal condition.