stranglehold

[strang-guhl-hohld]

noun

1. Wrestling.,  an illegal hold by which an opponent's breath is choked off.

2. a restraining hold in which one person uses an arm to encircle the neck of another; a chokehold.

3. any force or influence that restricts the free actions or development of a person or thing; a stifling grip.

   to break the stranglehold of superstition.

stranglehold

/ ˈstræŋɡəlˌhəʊld /

noun

1. a wrestling hold in which a wrestler's arms are pressed against his opponent's windpipe See also Japanese stranglehold

2. complete power or control over a person or situation

Word History and Origins

Origin of stranglehold¹

First recorded in 1890–95; strangle + hold ¹

Example Sentences

Chelsea's stranglehold has resulted in them winning six successive league titles.

From BBC

Lammy also condemned the Israeli government for continuing to approve illegal settlements in the West Bank, saying it was "tightening its stranglehold on the Palestinian economy".

From BBC

And even with a trip to San Diego looming after that, they were primed to potentially take a stranglehold in the standings.

From Los Angeles Times

Police officials and advocates for trafficking victims say that the Hoovers gang has long held a stranglehold on the area.

From Los Angeles Times

Need a model for how to thrive in the stranglehold of the modern music economy?

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• grip 
• monopoly