stranglehold

noun

stran·​gle·​hold ˈstraŋ-gəl-ˌhōld How to pronounce stranglehold (audio)
Synonyms of strangleholdnext
1
: an illegal wrestling hold by which one's opponent is choked
2
: a force or influence that stops something from growing or developing
… opened three stores within a year and got a stranglehold on market share.—Inc.

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.
Espinosa said the detention facility’s rural location will put a stranglehold on transparency and communication. — Noah Vinsky july 25, Charlotte Observer, 26 July 2026 Bipartisan Consensus Data centers have emerged as a rare area of bipartisan consensus in Florida, where Republicans have a stranglehold on government and Democrats have struggled to shape major legislation. — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 15 July 2026 The left is backed by very powerful and radical voices that have a stranglehold on our government. — Raven Harrison, Sun Sentinel, 9 July 2026 The Albiceleste went in search of the equalizer and Messi’s movement ramped up, cinching in the stranglehold on Egypt’s upset bid. — Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 7 July 2026 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

Rhymes for stranglehold

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Browse Nearby Words

strangle
stranglehold
strangler
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Cite this Entry

“Stranglehold.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stranglehold. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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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

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