Stran″gle (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p.Strangled (?); p. pr. & vb. n.Strangling (?).] [OF. estrangler, F. étrangler, L. strangulare, Gr. �, �, fr. � a halter; and perhaps akin to E. string, n. Cf. Strain, String.] 1. To compress the windpipe of (a person or animal) until death results from stoppage of respiration; to choke to death by compressing the throat, as with the hand or a rope.
Our Saxon ancestors compelled the adulteress to strangle herself. Ayliffe.
2. To stifle, choke, or suffocate in any manner.
Shall I not then be stifled in the vault,...
And there die strangled ere my Romeo comes? Shak.
3. To hinder from appearance; to stifle; to suppress. “Strangle such thoughts.” Shak.