Definition

1. Verb (transitive):

   • To constrict or compress a hollow anatomical structure, such as a blood vessel or part of the intestine, so as to prevent the normal passage of contents (e.g., blood, air, feces). This usage is primarily medical, referring to a pathological condition where an organ or vessel is severely compressed.
   • To kill or injure by compressing the throat to prevent breathing; to strangle. This meaning is synonymous with "strangle" but is often used in more formal or technical contexts.

2. Verb (intransitive):

   • To become constricted or compressed in such a manner. This describes the process happening to the organ or vessel itself.

Usage Examples

• Verb (transitive - medical):

  • The surgeon noted that the hernia could strangulate the bowel if left untreated.
  • A blood clot can strangulate the artery, leading to tissue death.

• Verb (transitive - general):

  • The vines had grown so tightly around the tree branch that they seemed to strangulate it.
  • In the novel, the villain attempts to strangulate his victim with a wire.

• Verb (intransitive):

  • If the intestinal loop twists, it may strangulate and require emergency surgery.

Advanced Usage

• In a figurative sense: Used to describe something being severely restricted or suppressed.
  • High taxes can strangulate economic growth.
  • Censorship strangulates free expression.

Variants and Related Words

• Strangulation (noun): The act or process of strangulating, or the state of being strangulated.

  • The cause of death was strangulation.
  • Bowel strangulation is a surgical emergency.

• Strangle (verb): A more common synonym, especially for the act of killing by compressing the throat. "Strangulate" often implies a more precise, constricting action or is used in technical/medical contexts.

Synonyms

• Constrict: To make narrower or tighter by squeezing.
• Throttle: To choke or strangle, often by hand.
• Choke: To hinder or stop the breathing of, typically by blocking the windpipe.
• Garrote: To strangle with a wire or cord, often as a method of execution.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Constructions

(Note: "Strangulate" itself is not commonly used in phrasal verb constructions. Its synonym "strangle" is used instead.) - Stranglehold (noun): A grip around the neck that chokes or strangles; figuratively, a powerful and restrictive control. - The company has a stranglеhold on the market.

Related Idioms

• To put the squeeze on: (Informal) To apply pressure, which can be a figurative parallel to strangulating.
  • The creditors are putting the squeeze on the business.

Verb

1. become constricted
   • The hernia will strangulate
2. constrict a hollow organ or vessel so as to stop the flow of blood or air
3. kill by squeezing the throat of so as to cut off the air
   • he tried to strangle his opponent
   • A man in Boston has been strangling several dozen prostitutes