garrotte

American  

[guh-rot, -roht] / gəˈrɒt, -ˈroʊt /

noun

garrotted, garrotting

1. garrote.

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garrotte British  

/ ɡəˈrɒt /

noun

1. a Spanish method of execution by strangulation or by breaking the neck

2. the device, usually an iron collar, used in such executions

3. obsolete strangulation of one's victim while committing robbery

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verb

1. to execute by means of the garrotte

2. to strangle, esp in order to commit robbery

Other Word Forms

• garrotter noun

Etymology

Origin of garrotte

C17: from Spanish garrote, perhaps from Old French garrot cudgel; of obscure origin

Example Sentences

Sumac’s extraordinary voice, striking looks and carefully packaged heritage – she claimed to be a descendant of Atahualpa, the Inca emperor garrotted by Pizarro and his conquistadores in 1533 – propelled her to international fame.

From The Guardian

Once the grand panjandrums of China’s ruling Communist party have completed Tuesdays national day celebrations, additional, potentially fatal twists of their state security garrotte appear inevitable.

From The Guardian

It is 35 years since taxi driver George Murdoch was found dead beside his taxi, with a cheese wire garrotte lying nearby.

From BBC

“I just decided, aside from several times I wanted to garrotte him, that I was going to give him what he wanted,” Downey Jr told the New York Times.

From The Guardian

Rabbits are hung by their ears, chubbier animals suspended by wire garrottes.

From BBC