strangulation

Everyday

1. Killing or hurting someone by squeezing their neck so they cannot breathe. tree →
2. (medicine) When something is squeezed so tightly that blood or air cannot flow through it. tree →
3. (formal, figurative) Stopping something from growing or working, as if choking it. tree →

In the lessons

It is a serious word found in crime news, history and medicine. In safety lessons, families learn about strangulation risks to babies and small children from cords on blinds, ropes and drawstrings, which should be kept out of reach. In stories it signals violence or great danger. Phrases: «risk of strangulation», «strangulation hazard».

Examples

• Blind cords can be a strangulation hazard for small children. tree →
• The label warned of a risk of strangulation. tree →
• Keep long cords and ropes away from babies to prevent strangulation. tree →
• The doctor said the hernia could cause strangulation of the gut. tree →
• In the old story, the vine slowly strangled the tree. tree →
• (formal) The new tax caused the slow strangulation of small shops. tree →

Note

Uncountable. Verb: «strangle» (strangled, strangling). Not the same as «choking», which is when something blocks the throat from the inside. It is a grave word, not for jokes. If someone is in danger, call an adult or emergency services at once.