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Definition of "garrote" [gar•rote]

  • A method of execution formerly practiced in Spain, in which a tightened iron collar is used to strangle or break the neck of a condemned person. (noun)
  • The iron collar used for such an execution. (noun)
  • Strangulation, especially in order to rob. (noun)
  • A cord or wire used for strangling. (noun)
  • To execute by garrote. (verb-transitive)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "garrote" in a sentence
  • "Trell looked as innocent as the man who claimed his garrote was a handkerchief."
  • "The second pronunciation of "garrote" sounds like "quote" and the current meaning of garrote is to execute by strangulation."
  • "After the AFL/NFL merger, the garrote process would happen again in 1970, on an even bigger stage."