stranglehold

noun

stran·​gle·​hold ˈstraŋ-gəl-ˌhōld How to pronounce stranglehold (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In the 450 class, Cooper Webb could place a stranglehold on his third title with a strong performance, while Haiden Deegan might clinch his first supercross crown in the 250 class. Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 1 May 2025 This is a franchise that was 0-4 all-time when trying to turn a 2-1 series lead into a 3-1 stranglehold. Michael Russo, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2025 The duo were intrigued by a movie that could tell not only the Cain and Abel story of two childhood pals turned lethal adversaries, but also the demise of the Mafia's national stranglehold, which began with Costello's famous testimony before a congressional hearing in 1951. Marco Della Cava, USA TODAY, 20 Mar. 2025 Bayer Leverkusen When Leverkusen drew Bayern, there was hope of progression, given Xabi Alonso’s apparent stranglehold over the Bundesliga leaders. Anantaajith Raghuraman, The Athletic, 11 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stranglehold

Word History

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of stranglehold was in 1893

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Cite this Entry

“Stranglehold.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stranglehold. Accessed 19 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

stranglehold

noun
stran·​gle·​hold ˈstraŋ-gəl-ˌhōld How to pronounce stranglehold (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on stranglehold

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