strangulate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 / Very Low Frequency / TechnicalFormal, Medical, Technical, Literary
Quick answer
What does “strangulate” mean?
to constrict or compress something, especially a part of the body like a blood vessel or the neck, so as to prevent circulation, breathing, or function.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
to constrict or compress something, especially a part of the body like a blood vessel or the neck, so as to prevent circulation, breathing, or function.
In medical contexts, it specifically refers to the constriction of a tubular structure (e.g., hernia, bowel) causing obstruction and potential tissue death. Figuratively, it can mean to suppress or stifle something (e.g., growth, creativity).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Slightly more common in UK medical literature, but 'strangulated' (as in 'strangulated hernia') is the dominant adjectival form in both varieties.
Connotations
Clinical, precise, and often associated with grave medical emergencies. Carries a sense of surgical urgency.
Frequency
Extremely rare in everyday speech. Almost exclusively found in medical, forensic, or biological texts, and high-register literature.
Grammar
How to Use “strangulate” in a Sentence
[SVO] The adhesions can strangulate the intestine.[SV] The hernia may strangulate if left untreated.[be V-ed] The vessel was strangulated by the tumour.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “strangulate” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The surgeon explained how a loop of bowel could strangulate within the hernia sac.
- If the tourniquet is left on too long, it may strangulate the limb.
American English
- The condition can strangulate the blood flow to the organ, requiring immediate surgery.
- Vines had grown so thick they began to strangulate the tree's trunk.
adjective
British English
- The patient was admitted with a strangulated femoral hernia.
- A strangulated polyp was identified during the colonoscopy.
American English
- The diagnosis was a strangulated bowel obstruction.
- They performed emergency surgery for the strangulated appendix.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Potentially used metaphorically: 'Over-regulation could strangulate innovation in the sector.'
Academic
Common in medical, biological, and forensic science papers. 'The study examined the effects of a strangulated mesenteric artery.'
Everyday
Virtually never used. The simpler 'strangle' or 'cut off' is preferred.
Technical
The primary domain. Used precisely to describe pathological constriction in anatomy, surgery, and pathology.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “strangulate”
- Using 'strangulate' in casual contexts where 'strangle' is meant.
- Incorrectly using the active voice for inanimate causes (e.g., 'The rope strangulated him' is odd; 'The rope strangled him' is better).
- Confusing 'strangulate' with 'suffocate' (lack of air) vs. 'strangulate' (constriction of a specific passage).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Strangle' is the general term for killing by squeezing the throat. 'Strangulate' is a more technical/medical term focusing on the constriction that cuts off flow (e.g., in a hernia, blood vessel). All strangulation involves strangling, but not all strangling is described clinically as 'strangulation'.
No. It is a low-frequency, technical word primarily used in medical and scientific writing. The adjectival form 'strangulated' is more common than the verb.
Yes, but it's rare and very literary. It implies a severe, suffocating suppression (e.g., 'bureaucracy that strangulates initiative'). In most figurative cases, 'stifle', 'choke', or 'strangle' are preferred.
A serious condition where a loop of intestine or other tissue becomes trapped in a hernia sac, and its blood supply is cut off (constricted). This leads to tissue death (gangrene) if not treated surgically and is a medical emergency.
to constrict or compress something, especially a part of the body like a blood vessel or the neck, so as to prevent circulation, breathing, or function.
Strangulate is usually formal, medical, technical, literary in register.
Strangulate: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstræŋɡjəleɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstræŋɡjəˌleɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of an ANGEL (from the 'angul' sound) putting a STRONG (strang-) grip around a tube, cutting off its life.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS FLOW / SUFFOCATION IS CONSTRICTION. To strangulate is to stop the flow (of blood, air, ideas) by applying external pressure.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'strangulate' MOST appropriately used?