strangulation

noun

stran·​gu·​la·​tion ˌstraŋ-gyə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce strangulation (audio)
1
: the action or process of strangling or strangulating
2
: the state of being strangled or strangulated
especially : excessive or pathological constriction or compression of a bodily tube (such as a blood vessel or a loop of intestine) that interrupts its ability to act as a passage

Examples of strangulation in a Sentence

The cause of death was strangulation.
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.
The day of the incident, Jacobs was charged with felony strangulation and suffocation, and four misdemeanors pertaining to domestic abuse. — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026 Jacobs was initially arrested on five criminal charges, including a felony count of strangulation and suffocation as well as battery, criminal damage to property, disorderly conduct and intimidation of a victim. — Steve Megargee, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 The request gave a first glimpse of what may be happening in the deliberation room as jurors weigh whether the 36-year-old is guilty of murder in the January 2023 strangulation deaths of her three children. — Melina Khan, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026 Deputy Isaiah Williams is charged with domestic battery by strangulation, battery causing bodily harm, tampering or fabricating evidence and robbery sudden snatching. — Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for strangulation

Word History

First Known Use

1542, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of strangulation was in 1542

Rhymes for strangulation

See All Rhymes for strangulation

Browse Nearby Words

strangulated blade
strangulation
strangury
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Strangulation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/strangulation. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

strangulation

noun
stran·​gu·​la·​tion ˌstraŋ-gyə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce strangulation (audio)
1
: an act or process of strangling
2
: the state of being strangled

Medical Definition

strangulation

noun
stran·​gu·​la·​tion ˌstraŋ-gyə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce strangulation (audio)
1
: the action or process of strangling or strangulating
2
: the state of being strangled or strangulated
especially : excessive or pathological constriction or compression of a bodily tube (as a blood vessel or a loop of intestine) that interrupts its ability to act as a passage
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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