Definition

A strong influence or control that limits freedom or progress, often making it difficult for others to act or succeed.

Example

The company's stranglehold on the market made it hard for new businesses to compete.

Conversation

Have you noticed how that new policy seems to have a stranglehold on our creativity?

Yeah, it really feels like we're being stifled in our ideas.

It's frustrating because we could do so much more without that stranglehold on our plans.

Exactly! We need more freedom to explore our options.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Stranglehold is formed from "strangle" (from Old English "strenglan", meaning to choke or suffocate) and "hold" (from Old English "healdan", meaning to keep or grasp). The word describes a grip that chokes or suffocates, often used metaphorically to indicate a controlling or oppressive influence.

Memory Tip

Imagine a grip that 'chokes' ('strangle') and 'keeps' ('hold') something tightly — that's why stranglehold means a tight, controlling grip.

Visually Confused Words