strangles: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2 (Low-frequency technical term in general discourse; common within veterinary/equine contexts)Technical/Veterinary, with occasional figurative use in formal/literary contexts.
Quick answer
What does “strangles” mean?
A highly contagious bacterial infection of horses and related animals, affecting the upper respiratory tract and lymph nodes.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A highly contagious bacterial infection of horses and related animals, affecting the upper respiratory tract and lymph nodes.
Also used metaphorically to describe something that severely constricts, suppresses, or chokes.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in the veterinary term. Figurative use is slightly more common in British literary contexts.
Connotations
The disease connotation is neutral/clinical. The figurative use carries strong negative connotations of suppression or constriction.
Frequency
Rare in everyday conversation for most speakers. High frequency within equestrian and veterinary communities.
Grammar
How to Use “strangles” in a Sentence
The disease strangles [the horse population]. (Figurative)[Bureaucracy/Regulation] strangles [innovation/growth]. (Figurative verb)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “strangles” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The new legislation effectively strangles any chance of market competition.
- Fear strangled the words in his throat.
American English
- Excessive bureaucracy strangles innovation in the tech sector.
- The vine slowly strangled the ancient oak tree.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable (no standard adverbial form).
American English
- Not applicable (no standard adverbial form).
adjective
British English
- The yard is under strangles quarantine.
- A strangles outbreak is a serious concern.
American English
- The farm implemented strangles prevention protocols.
- The strangles pathogen is highly contagious.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used figuratively: 'Over-regulation strangles small businesses.'
Academic
Used in veterinary science/agriculture papers.
Everyday
Very rare unless speaker is involved with horses.
Technical
Precise veterinary term for a specific disease.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “strangles”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “strangles”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “strangles”
- Using it as a regular plural of 'strangle'.
- Confusing it with 'mangles'.
- Mispronouncing as /ˈstreɪŋ.ɡəlz/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Strangles' (with -s) is primarily a noun naming a specific animal disease. 'Strangle' is a verb meaning to choke.
Extremely rarely. It is a disease almost exclusively affecting equines (horses, donkeys, mules).
No, in its veterinary sense, it is a singular noun (like 'measles' or 'mumps'). The '-s' is part of the word.
Treatment involves isolation, supportive care (draining abscesses, anti-inflammatories), and sometimes antibiotics, though the disease often runs its course. Vaccines are available.
A highly contagious bacterial infection of horses and related animals, affecting the upper respiratory tract and lymph nodes.
Strangles is usually technical/veterinary, with occasional figurative use in formal/literary contexts. in register.
Strangles: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstræŋ.ɡəlz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstræŋ.ɡəlz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Metaphor: 'The strangles of red tape'”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a horse's swollen neck lymph nodes being 'strangled' by the infection.
Conceptual Metaphor
DISEASE IS A CONSTRICTOR / SUPPRESSION IS STRANGULATION.
Practice
Quiz
In a figurative sense, what does 'strangles' typically imply?