stran·gle·hold 
/ˈstræŋgəlˌhoʊld/ noun
plural stran·gle·holds /ˈstræŋgəlˌhoʊld/ noun [count] 1 : an illegal hold in wrestling by which your opponent is choked 2 : a force or influence that stops something from growing or developing — usually singular ▪ He finally broke free from the stranglehold of his domineering parents. — often + on ▪ The state has a stranglehold on the city's finances.
