A stranglehold refers to a position of dominant power or control that prevents freedom of action or development, often involving suppression or restriction. It can be literal, like a physical grip that chokes someone, or metaphorical, representing an overwhelming influence on a person, group, or situation. It implies a constraint that is difficult or impossible to break, leaving the subject vulnerable and unable to escape the adverse circumstances created by the force in control. The term often carries negative connotations of oppression, coercion, and unfair advantage, where one entity exerts overwhelming pressure on another. This dominance can be exerted through various means, including economic, political, or social factors, and is often achieved through ruthless or unethical practices.
Stranglehold meaning with examples
- The corporation's merger gave it a stranglehold on the market, enabling it to dictate prices and stifle competition, leaving consumers with limited options and higher costs. Competitors found it impossible to compete in terms of pricing. The corporate giant used their position to stifle any new upstarts, causing economic disruption and affecting many businesses across the country.
- The dictator maintained a stranglehold on the nation through censorship and fear, suppressing any dissent and controlling the flow of information, making a free society impossible. Free speech was a thing of the past, while the people lived in constant fear of political violence if any opposition were to be shown.
- The drug cartel established a stranglehold on the city's crime, controlling the narcotics trade and intimidating the population, causing violence and chaos to spread through the streets of every district. Any attempts to fight back were met with immediate violence.
- High interest rates exerted a stranglehold on the small business owner's finances, making it difficult to obtain loans or expand operations, causing him to work day and night just to break even and keep the business from collapsing.
Stranglehold Synonyms
authority clutch coercion constraint control domination grip mastery monopoly repression suppressionStranglehold Antonyms
autonomy emancipation freedom independence liberation powerlessness release weaknessStranglehold Crossword Answers
9 Letters
CHOKEHOLD
12 Letters
THROTTLEHOLD