<p><strong>Verb (used with object):</strong></p><ul><li>to kill by squeezing the throat in order to compress the windpipe and prevent the intake of air, as with the hands or a tightly drawn cord.</li><li>to kill by stopping the breath in any manner; choke; stifle; suffocate.</li><li>to prevent the continuance, growth, rise, or action of; suppress: Censorship strangles a free press.</li></ul><p><strong>Verb (used without object):</strong></p><ul><li>to be choked, stifled, or suffocated.</li></ul>