Definitions of strangle:

• verb:   die from strangulation
• verb:   kill by squeezing the throat of so as to cut off the air

  Example: "He tried to strangle his opponent"

• verb:   constrict (someone's) throat and keep from breathing
• verb:   struggle for breath; have insufficient oxygen intake
• verb:   conceal or hide

  Example: "Strangle a yawn"

• verb:   prevent the progress or free movement of

  Example: "The imperilist nation wanted to strangle the free trade between the two small countries"