stranglehold

This term conveys a sense of suffocating pressure and absolute dominance. In its literal sense, it describes a physical act of violence, but it is more frequently encountered in political, economic, or social contexts to describe a monopoly or an oppressive regime that stifles competition and innovation.

When used figuratively, the word implies a lack of agency for the victim or the affected party. It is often paired with adjectives like "tight," "firm," or "absolute" to emphasize the impossibility of escape or the severity of the restriction.