noun
a grip or control that is so tight it chokes or suffocates
verb
to grip or control tightly to the point of choking or suffocating
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The company had a stranglehold on the market, controlling over 80% of the industry.
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The big tech giants have a stranglehold on the social media platforms.
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The mob boss had a stranglehold on the neighborhood, making sure everyone paid their dues.
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Her anxiety had a stranglehold on her, making it hard to focus on anything else.