Garrote: meaning, definitions and examples

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garrote

[ɡəˈrəʊt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

deadly weapon

A garrote is a weapon, most often a handheld ligature of chain, rope, scarf, wire or fishing line used to strangle a person.

Synonyms

chokehold, stranglehold.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
garrote	This word is used when referring to a method of execution or assassination by strangulation, typically involving a wire or cord. The spy used a garrote to silently eliminate the enemy agent. In the historical novel, the assassin's weapon of choice was a garrote.
stranglehold	This word is frequently used metaphorically to describe a strong or overwhelming dominance or control over someone or something. The corporation had a stranglehold on the technology market. She managed to break free from his emotional stranglehold and regain her independence.
chokehold	This term is often used in martial arts, wrestling, or law enforcement to describe a method of restraining someone by applying pressure to their neck. The officer used a chokehold to subdue the suspect. During the match, he applied a chokehold to his opponent, forcing him to tap out.

Word

Description / Examples

garrote

This word is used when referring to a method of execution or assassination by strangulation, typically involving a wire or cord.

The spy used a garrote to silently eliminate the enemy agent.
In the historical novel, the assassin's weapon of choice was a garrote.

stranglehold

This word is frequently used metaphorically to describe a strong or overwhelming dominance or control over someone or something.

The corporation had a stranglehold on the technology market.
She managed to break free from his emotional stranglehold and regain her independence.

chokehold

This term is often used in martial arts, wrestling, or law enforcement to describe a method of restraining someone by applying pressure to their neck.

The officer used a chokehold to subdue the suspect.
During the match, he applied a chokehold to his opponent, forcing him to tap out.

Examples of usage

The assassin used a garrote to silently kill his target.
The criminal threatened the victim with a garrote if she didn't cooperate.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

to strangle with a garrote

To garrote means to strangle someone with a handheld ligature.

Synonyms

choke, strangle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
garrote	Used in extreme and specific contexts, usually to describe a method of execution or assassination by strangulation, typically involving a wire or cord. The historical accounts mention that rebels were often subjected to garrote as a form of capital punishment. In the gripping thriller, the assassin used a garrote to silently eliminate his target.
strangle	Often used to describe the action of squeezing someone's neck tightly to prevent them from breathing, with the intent to harm or kill. It can be used in serious situations or metaphorically. The detective discovered the victim had been strangled with a rope. Her controlling behavior made him feel like she was strangling his sense of freedom.
choke	Commonly used in everyday situations to describe the act of having difficulty in breathing due to an obstruction in the throat. It can also mean to apply a force to the neck, hindering breathing. She began to choke on a piece of food and needed immediate help. During the heated argument, he felt like he was going to choke out of nervousness.

Word

Description / Examples

garrote

Used in extreme and specific contexts, usually to describe a method of execution or assassination by strangulation, typically involving a wire or cord.

The historical accounts mention that rebels were often subjected to garrote as a form of capital punishment.
In the gripping thriller, the assassin used a garrote to silently eliminate his target.

strangle

Often used to describe the action of squeezing someone's neck tightly to prevent them from breathing, with the intent to harm or kill. It can be used in serious situations or metaphorically.

The detective discovered the victim had been strangled with a rope.
Her controlling behavior made him feel like she was strangling his sense of freedom.

choke

Commonly used in everyday situations to describe the act of having difficulty in breathing due to an obstruction in the throat. It can also mean to apply a force to the neck, hindering breathing.

She began to choke on a piece of food and needed immediate help.
During the heated argument, he felt like he was going to choke out of nervousness.

Examples of usage

The spy garroted the guard to gain access to the building.
The killer garroted his victim and left no trace of his crime.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'garrote' has Spanish origins, derived from 'garrotar,' which means to strangle.
It was initially used in the context of a type of execution method during the Middle Ages in Spain.
French also borrowed the term, modifying it to 'gorette' to describe similar methods.

Historical Usage

The garrote was used historically as a means of execution in various cultures, often seen as a more merciful alternative to other methods.
In the 19th century, it became associated with political assassinations, notably in the context of anarchist movements.
Countries like Spain and Portugal utilized the garrote until relatively recently, with the last known execution using this method occurring in the 1970s.

Cinematic Representation

In films and television, the garrote is often portrayed as an efficient method for stealthy assassinations, reflecting its sinister nature.
Classic spy films and crime dramas frequently incorporate this device, lending an air of tension and danger.
Shows like 'Game of Thrones' depict the use of garrotes to emphasize the brutal realities of power struggles.

Cultural Perspectives

In some cultures, the garrote represents the darker side of human conflict, highlighting themes of betrayal and vengeance.
Festivals in certain regions might reflect the historical significance of the garrote, showcasing artistry related to its design.

Modern Context

Today, the term can be metaphorically used in discussions about ethics, highlighting the 'strangling' effects of societal pressures.
In discussions about crime, it's seen as a symbol of violence and the darker aspects of human nature rather than a common weapon.

Translations

Translations of the word "garrote" in other languages:

🇵🇹 garrote

🇮🇳 गरोट

🇩🇪 Würgeinstrument

🇮🇩 garrote

🇺🇦 гаррота

🇵🇱 garrota

🇯🇵 絞首具 (こうしゅぐ)

🇫🇷 garrot

🇪🇸 garrote

🇹🇷 garrot

🇰🇷 교살기

🇸🇦 خنق

🇨🇿 garrota

🇸🇰 garrota

🇨🇳 绞刑具 (jiǎoxíngjù)

🇸🇮 garrota

🇮🇸 kyrkingartæki

🇰🇿 гаррота

🇬🇪 გაროტა

🇦🇿 qarrot

🇲🇽 garrote