Pronunciation: [stɹˈaŋɡləz] (IPA) 
The word "stranglers" is spelled with the letter combination "n-g-l-e-r-s" in the middle. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /ˈstræŋ.ɡlərz/, with emphasis on the first syllable. The "ng" sound is represented by the /ŋ/ symbol, while the "s" sound at the end is represented by the /z/ symbol. The word refers to someone or something that strangles, suffocates, or kills by constricting the throat or airways.
Stranglers, in a broad sense, refer to organisms or objects that cause strangulation, often resulting in the death or immobilization of the victim. This term can apply to various animate or inanimate entities across different contexts.
In the context of natural history, stranglers are plants that belong to the category of epiphytes. These plants initially grow on the branches of established trees in tropical rainforests, deriving nutrients from the surrounding environment. Over time, their roots wrap around the host tree, eventually forming a dense lattice that may constrict the tree's trunk, branches, and nutrient supply. As the host weakens, the strangler plant eventually takes over and assumes the position of the previous tree, often leading to the demise of the host.
In a criminal context, the term "strangler" is applied to individuals who commit murder by choking, compression, or constriction of the neck or airway of their victims. These individuals typically employ physical force, ligatures, or their bare hands to subdue and kill. Such crimes are characterized by the intent to cause asphyxiation, leading to loss of consciousness or ultimately death due to lack of oxygen.
In a figurative or metaphorical sense, the term "stranglers" can refer to activities, circumstances, or influences that gradually impede, inhibit, or suffocate progress, success, or well-being. These can include oppressive systems, stifling regulations, or controlling relationships that restrict freedom, growth, or positive development.
The word "stranglers" is derived from the verb "strangle".
The term "strangle" originated from the Old French word "estrangler", which can be traced back to the Latin word "strangulare". The Latin root comes from the Greek word "strangalan", meaning "to squeeze tight" or "to strangle".
The word "strangle" refers to the act of compressing or constricting someone's neck to the point of causing death or unconsciousness. Therefore, "stranglers" is used to describe individuals or things that carry out such an action, such as a person who commits murder by strangling someone or a particular type of plant known for its ability to wrap around and suffocate other plants.
