# stranglehold

/ˈstɹæŋɡəɫˌhoʊɫd/ (US) · /stɹˈæŋɡəlhˌəʊld/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/stranglehold
Updated: 2026-10-19

## Definition

a very tight grip or control over something, so it cannot move or grow freely. You use it when one person, company, or group has almost total power over something else.

For teachers: a position of complete and restrictive control that prevents movement, competition, or development. Often used figuratively for economic, political, or psychological dominance.

## Examples

- One company has a stranglehold on bus travel here.
- The two supermarkets have a stranglehold on food prices in the town, so smaller shops cannot compete.
- Although new streaming services appear every year, the oldest platforms keep a stranglehold on viewers through exclusive shows and long contracts.

## Usage notes

- Commonly follows 'have' or 'keep' and pairs with 'on' ('a stranglehold on').

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.