Strangle (verb)

1. Kill (someone) by squeezing their throat to prevent them from breathing.
2. Suppress or crush (a feeling or idea).
3. Prevent the normal development or progress of (something).

Origin:

Middle english: from old french estrangler, from latin strangulare, from stranguis "a halter".

Examples:

1. He was strangled in his sleep by an unknown attacker.
2. She felt the need to strangle her anger before it got out of control.
3. The new regulation will strangle small businesses.
4. He strangled her until she passed out.
5. The company's profits have been strangled by high taxes.