Strangulation vs Strangle: Meaning And Differences

Strangulation vs strangle: two words that sound similar but have different meanings. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between the two and when to use each one.

Let’s clarify which of the two is the proper word. Strangulation is the correct term to use when referring to the act of cutting off someone’s air supply by squeezing their neck. Strangle can also be used to describe this action, but it is less commonly used and can also refer to other types of constriction.

Now that we have established the proper use of these terms, let’s dive deeper into their meanings. Strangulation is a form of asphyxia, which is a condition in which the body is deprived of oxygen. It can be caused by external pressure on the neck, such as from a hand or a ligature. Strangulation can lead to serious injury or death if not treated promptly.

Strangle, on the other hand, is a more general term that can refer to any type of constriction or compression. For example, a snake may strangle its prey by coiling around it and squeezing tightly. In this context, the term strangle is used to describe the action of squeezing or compressing, rather than specifically cutting off someone’s air supply.

Now that we understand the differences between these two terms, let’s explore some of the contexts in which they might be used. In the legal system, for example, the term strangulation is often used to describe a specific type of assault. Medical professionals may also use this term when diagnosing and treating patients who have suffered from oxygen deprivation due to external pressure on the neck.

Define Strangulation

Strangulation is a form of asphyxia caused by external compression of the neck, which leads to a decrease in blood flow to the brain. This can result in serious injury or death, depending on the severity and duration of the compression. Strangulation is often associated with domestic violence and sexual assault, and can be a sign of attempted murder or homicide.

There are two types of strangulation: manual and ligature. Manual strangulation involves the use of the hands or arms to compress the neck, while ligature strangulation involves the use of a cord or other object to apply pressure to the neck. Both types of strangulation can be extremely dangerous and can cause serious injury or death within minutes.

Define Strangle

The term “strangle” is often used interchangeably with “strangulation,” but it technically refers to the act of applying pressure to the neck with the intent to kill or cause serious injury. Strangling can be done using a variety of methods, including the use of the hands, a ligature, or other objects.

While strangling and strangulation are similar in nature, there are some key differences. Strangulation is a medical term that refers specifically to the compression of the neck, while strangling is a legal term that refers to the act of intentionally causing harm or death through the use of pressure on the neck. Strangling is often considered a more serious offense than simple strangulation, as it involves a deliberate attempt to cause harm or death.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

As a writer, it is important to use words correctly to convey the intended meaning. In this section, we will explore how to use the words “strangulation” and “strangle” in a sentence.

How To Use “Strangulation” In A Sentence

“Strangulation” refers to the act of causing death by compressing the neck. Here are some examples of how to use it in a sentence:

• The victim’s cause of death was determined to be strangulation.
• The suspect was charged with attempted murder by strangulation.
• The medical examiner noted signs of strangulation on the victim’s body.

When using “strangulation” in a sentence, it is important to make sure that the context clearly indicates that the act resulted in death or serious injury.

How To Use “Strangle” In A Sentence

“Strangle” refers to the act of choking or suffocating someone by compressing their throat. Here are some examples of how to use it in a sentence:

• The attacker attempted to strangle the victim with a rope.
• The victim was able to break free from the attacker’s attempt to strangle them.
• The suspect was charged with assault and battery after attempting to strangle a police officer.

When using “strangle” in a sentence, it is important to make sure that the context clearly indicates that the act did not result in death.

Overall, it is important to use “strangulation” and “strangle” correctly in order to avoid confusion and accurately convey the intended meaning.

More Examples Of Strangulation & Strangle Used In Sentences

Here are some more examples of how the words “strangulation” and “strangle” can be used in sentences:

Examples Of Using Strangulation In A Sentence

• The coroner ruled that the cause of death was strangulation.
• The victim had marks on her neck consistent with manual strangulation.
• Strangulation is a common method of domestic violence.
• The suspect was charged with attempted murder and strangulation.
• The victim was lucky to survive the strangulation attempt.
• The police found evidence of strangulation in the suspect’s apartment.
• The defendant’s defense team argued that the victim’s death was accidental and not the result of strangulation.
• Strangulation can cause brain damage in as little as three minutes.
• There are several different types of strangulation, including manual, ligature, and garrote.
• Strangulation is a serious crime that can result in life-long injuries or death.

Examples Of Using Strangle In A Sentence

• The python tried to strangle the small animal.
• The suspect used a rope to strangle his victim.
• The victim’s family was devastated by the senseless act of violence that led to her strangling.
• The victim fought back against her attacker, but he was able to strangle her to death.
• The wrestler used a chokehold to strangle his opponent into submission.
• The killer’s motive for the strangling is still unknown.
• The victim’s husband was charged with her strangling.
• It is important to seek medical attention immediately if you have been strangled.
• The victim’s death was caused by a combination of strangling and blunt force trauma.
• The suspect confessed to strangling the victim during the police interrogation.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to the English language, it’s easy to fall into the trap of using similar words interchangeably. However, when it comes to the words “strangulation” and “strangle,” it’s important to understand the differences between the two and use them correctly. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using “Strangulation” And “Strangle” Interchangeably

One of the most common mistakes people make is using “strangulation” and “strangle” as synonyms, when in fact they have different meanings. “Strangulation” refers specifically to the act of cutting off someone’s air supply by compressing their neck, whereas “strangle” can refer to any act of choking or suffocating someone, whether it involves the neck or not.

For example, it would be incorrect to say “he strangled her with a pillow” if the act did not involve the compression of the neck. In this case, it would be more accurate to say “he suffocated her with a pillow.”

Using “Strangle” As A Noun

Another common mistake is using “strangle” as a noun. While “strangulation” can be used as both a noun and a verb, “strangle” should only be used as a verb. For example, it would be incorrect to say “the cause of death was a strangle” when it should be “the cause of death was strangulation.”

Using “Strangle” To Refer To Inanimate Objects

Finally, it’s important to remember that “strangle” should only be used to refer to actions taken against living beings. Using “strangle” to describe the way a rope is tightly wrapped around an object, for example, is incorrect. In this case, it would be more appropriate to use a term like “constrict” or “bind.”

Tips For Avoiding These Mistakes

To avoid making these common mistakes, it’s important to take the time to understand the differences between “strangulation” and “strangle.” If you’re unsure which word to use, take a moment to look up the definitions and examples of each. Additionally, proofreading your writing and double-checking your usage of these words can go a long way in ensuring that your language is clear and accurate.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between the words “strangulation” and “strangle,” context is key. While both words refer to the act of choking someone, the nuances of their meanings can vary depending on the situation in which they are used.

Examples Of Context

Here are some examples of different contexts in which the choice between “strangulation” and “strangle” might change:

Context	Explanation
Medical	In a medical context, “strangulation” might be used to refer to the compression of blood vessels or air passages in the neck, while “strangle” might be used to describe a specific type of injury caused by external pressure to the neck.
Legal	In a legal context, “strangulation” might be the more commonly used term, as it is often used to describe a criminal act of intentionally choking someone to the point of unconsciousness or death. “Strangle” might be used in a more general sense to describe any act of choking, whether intentional or accidental.
Language	In a linguistic context, the choice between “strangulation” and “strangle” might depend on the specific connotations or associations that each word carries. For example, “strangulation” might be seen as a more clinical or technical term, while “strangle” might be seen as more colloquial or informal.

Ultimately, the choice between “strangulation” and “strangle” depends on the specific context in which they are used. By understanding the nuances of each word and the situations in which they are appropriate, writers can ensure that their language is clear, precise, and effective.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using strangulation and strangle are generally straightforward, there are a few exceptions to keep in mind. Here are some cases where the rules might not apply:

1. Idiomatic Expressions

Idiomatic expressions are phrases whose meaning cannot be inferred from the individual words used. In some cases, these expressions may use “strangle” instead of “strangulation,” even if the latter is technically more correct. For example:

• “Stranglehold” – a powerful grip or control over something
• “Strangle the competition” – to defeat or outperform competitors

In these cases, using “strangulation” would be technically correct but may not convey the intended meaning as clearly.

2. Technical Jargon

In certain technical fields, “strangulation” and “strangle” may have specific meanings that differ from their general usage. For example, in networking, “strangulation” refers to a technique for controlling the flow of data, while “strangle” refers to a method of limiting bandwidth usage. In these cases, it’s important to use the term that is appropriate for the specific context.

3. Regional Variations

Finally, it’s worth noting that there may be regional variations in the usage of “strangulation” and “strangle.” For example, in British English, “strangle” is often used in place of “strangulation” in medical contexts. In these cases, it’s important to be aware of the regional variation and use the appropriate term for the intended audience.

Practice Exercises

Now that we have discussed the differences between strangulation and strangle, it’s time to put your knowledge into practice. Below are some exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these two terms in sentences. Make sure to read the instructions carefully before attempting each exercise.

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Choose the correct word (strangulation or strangle) to fill in the blank in each of the following sentences:

1. The victim showed signs of ____________.
2. He tried to ____________ the snake with his bare hands.
3. The suspect was charged with attempted ____________.
4. The doctor explained the dangers of ____________ to the patient.
5. She was found guilty of ____________ her husband with a rope.
6. The police officer was trained to recognize the signs of ____________.

Answer Key:

1. strangulation
2. strangle
3. strangulation
4. strangulation
5. strangling
6. strangulation

Exercise 2: Identify The Correct Term

Read the following sentences and identify whether the correct term used is “strangulation” or “strangle”. If the term used is incorrect, provide the correct term:

Sentence	Correct Term
He was charged with attempted murder by ____________.	strangulation
The victim had marks on her neck consistent with ____________.	strangulation
She tried to ____________ the jar open.	strangle
The suspect was found guilty of ____________ his wife with a rope.	strangling
The police officer was trained to recognize the signs of ____________.	strangulation

Answer Key:

Sentence	Correct Term
He was charged with attempted murder by ____________.	strangulation
The victim had marks on her neck consistent with ____________.	strangulation
She tried to ____________ the jar open.	strangle
The suspect was found guilty of ____________ his wife with a rope.	strangling
The police officer was trained to recognize the signs of ____________.	strangulation

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between strangulation and strangle, it is clear that these two terms are not interchangeable. Strangulation refers specifically to the act of killing someone by compressing their neck, while strangle can refer to a variety of actions that involve restricting someone’s breathing, but not necessarily leading to death.

It is important to use language accurately and precisely, especially in situations where the consequences can be severe. Misusing words like strangulation and strangle can lead to misunderstandings, confusion, and even legal issues.

As we continue to learn and grow in our use of language, it is important to stay curious and open to new information. By expanding our vocabulary and understanding of grammar, we can communicate more effectively and avoid common mistakes.