strangles Meaning, Definition & Usage

1. noun an acute bacterial disease of horses characterized by inflammation of the mucous membranes
   equine distemper.
   
2. verb kill by squeezing the throat of so as to cut off the air
   strangle; strangulate; throttle.
   
   • he tried to strangle his opponent
   • A man in Boston has been strangling several dozen prostitutes
3. verb conceal or hide
   muffle; strangle; stifle; smother; repress.
   
   • smother a yawn
   • muffle one's anger
   • strangle a yawn
4. verb die from strangulation
   strangle.
   
5. verb prevent the progress or free movement of
   cramp; strangle; hamper; halter.
   
   • He was hampered in his efforts by the bad weather
   • the imperialist nation wanted to strangle the free trade between the two small countries
6. verb constrict (someone's) throat and keep from breathing
   strangle; choke.
   
7. verb struggle for breath; have insufficient oxygen intake
   gag; strangle; suffocate; choke.
   
   • he swallowed a fishbone and gagged

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