strangler
word · lemma: strangle
Definition
A person or thing that kills by squeezing someone's neck until they cannot breathe; sometimes also refers to certain plant types (like strangler fig) that grow around and kill trees.
Usage & Nuances
Most commonly refers to a criminal who kills by strangulation, often in crime news and fiction. Can also refer to certain parasitic plants (like 'strangler fig'). Usually formal or neutral, but context is dark. Don't confuse with 'strangler vine' (plant), which is more botanical.
Example Sentences
The police caught the strangler last night.
basic
A strangler is very dangerous.
basic
Some plants, like the strangler fig, can kill trees as they grow.
basic
The city was terrified by reports of a strangler on the loose.
natural
Some detective stories are about catching a clever strangler.
natural
Look at that old tree! It's being taken over by a strangler fig.
natural