garrotte

[guh-rot, -roht]

noun

garrotted, garrotting 

1. garrote.

garrotte

/ 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

verb

1. to execute by means of the garrotte

2. to strangle, esp in order to commit robbery

Other Word Forms

• garrotter noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of garrotte¹

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

Example Sentences

Taxi driver George Murdoch was found dead beside his vehicle on Pitfodels Station Road in September 1983 - the cheese wire thought to have been used as a garrotte was discovered nearby.

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George "Dod" Murdoch, 58, was found dead beside his vehicle, with the cheese wire garrotte lying nearby.

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He also saw what he called a “garrotte” round her neck.

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The Conservative MP for New Forest West intervened in a Commons debate, saying the current penalties were insufficient, but if “offenders were garrotted with their own intestines” then numbers would fall.

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George "Dod" Murdoch was found dead beside his vehicle, with a cheese wire garrotte lying nearby.

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