Strangulated: meaning, definitions and examples

Medical Terminology

• In medicine, strangulated refers to a part of the body, usually an organ, that has lost its blood supply due to being squeezed.
• A strangulated hernia occurs when tissue pushes through a weak spot and gets pinched, leading to severe pain and requiring surgery.
• This condition can lead to serious complications if not treated quickly, as it can cause tissue death.

Etymology

• The word originates from the Latin 'strangulare', which means 'to strangle' or 'to choke'.
• It has been used in English since the early 17th century, illustrating both physical and metaphorical applications.
• The original root 'stringere' means 'to bind tight', reflecting the essence of being constricted.

Cultural References

• In literature, strangulation is often used metaphorically to describe oppressive situations or feelings.
• Certain movies or thriller novels depict strangulation as a dramatic plot device that heightens tension and fear.
• Strangulation has been a topic in art, symbolizing desperation and the struggle for freedom.

Psychological Impact

• Experiencing feelings of being 'strangulated' in life can relate to anxiety, where one feels trapped by circumstances.
• The sensation of emotional strangulation can symbolize feeling overwhelmed, as if life events are constricting personal freedom.
• Understanding this metaphor can help in addressing stress management and personal growth.

Scientific Context

• In botany, strangulation can refer to how certain plants might grow around each other, limiting access to light and nutrients.
• Strangulated flows in physics describe fluids or gases that have restricted movement, relevant in various engineering applications.
• Understanding strangulation in animal behavior examines how some species might restrict each other's movements as a survival mechanism.