This is the 12363rd most frequent French word.
étrangler
To strangle.
The word 'étrangler' is used here in its literal sense, referring to the act of compressing someone's neck to obstruct breathing.
Le criminel a tenté d'étrangler sa victime pour l'empêcher de crier.
The criminal tried to strangle his victim to prevent them from shouting.
In this sentence, 'étranglait' is used figuratively to describe intense emotion causing difficulty or distress.
Le sentiment de peur l'étranglait, l'empêchant de penser clairement.
The feeling of fear was strangling him, preventing him from thinking clearly.
Here, 'étrangler' signifies an inhibiting factor affecting the normal performance of singing, metaphorically restricting her vocal capability.