stranglehold: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal to neutral, common in political, business, and news commentary.
Quick answer
What does “stranglehold” mean?
A powerful, restrictive, and dominating control over something or someone.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A powerful, restrictive, and dominating control over something or someone.
Any grip or influence so strong it stifles freedom, competition, or development, often used metaphorically.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in meaning and frequency. Spelling is consistent as one word.
Connotations
Equally strong negative connotation in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in political/business journalism, but equally common in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “stranglehold” in a Sentence
[Entity A] has a stranglehold on [Entity B][Entity A]'s stranglehold over [Entity B] is tighteningto break [Entity A]'s strangleholdVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “stranglehold” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The regulator aims to stranglehold the unchecked power of the tech giants.
- Their strategy was to stranglehold the opposition's funding.
American English
- The new law could stranglehold innovation in the sector.
- They attempted to stranglehold the committee's decision-making process.
adverb
British English
- The market was controlled strangleholdly by a single corporation.
- He ruled the department strangleholdly for decades.
American English
- The union strangleholdly resisted any changes to the agreement.
- The tradition was held strangleholdly, refusing to adapt.
adjective
British English
- The party's stranglehold policy on media outlets faced criticism.
- He criticised the stranglehold agreement between the two distributors.
American English
- The team's stranglehold defense won them the championship.
- They operated under a stranglehold contract that limited their options.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to a company's monopolistic control over a market or supply chain.
Academic
Used in political science or economics to describe authoritarian control or lack of market competition.
Everyday
Used metaphorically to describe any overly controlling situation (e.g., a strict parent, a rigid routine).
Technical
In wrestling/martial arts, a specific grappling hold that restricts breathing or blood flow.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stranglehold”
- Using 'stranglehold' for a positive form of control (it's always negative).
- Confusing with 'strangulation' (which is purely physical).
- Misspelling as two words: 'strangle hold'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it always carries a negative connotation of oppressive, restrictive, or unfair control.
A 'monopoly' is the exclusive possession of supply/trade. A 'stranglehold' is the oppressive control resulting from it (or from other means like force or regulation). 'Stranglehold' is more metaphorical and emotive.
It is a single, compound word: 'stranglehold'.
Yes, though less common than its noun form. As a verb, it means 'to control in a stranglehold manner' (e.g., 'to stranglehold an industry').
A powerful, restrictive, and dominating control over something or someone.
Stranglehold is usually formal to neutral, common in political, business, and news commentary. in register.
Stranglehold: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstræŋ.ɡəl.həʊld/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstræŋ.ɡəl.hoʊld/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “have the market in a stranglehold”
- “a stranglehold on power”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a snake constricting its prey – a STRANGLEHOLD is a figurative grip that 'strangles' freedom or competition.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTROL IS A PHYSICAL GRIP / RESTRAINT.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'stranglehold' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?