ichidan verb, transitive verb
tighten firmly; constrict; squeeze; bind; wring; screw in
Physical action of tightening something strongly, often around a neck, throat, or joint; also used for screwing in a bulb or wringing cloth.
犯人は被害者の首を締め上げた。
The culprit tightened his grip around the victim's neck.
電球をソケットにしっかり締め上げてください。
Please screw the bulb firmly into the socket.
ichidan verb, transitive verb
press strongly; crack down on; pursue relentlessly; keep under strict control
Only when written 締め上げる
Figurative use: to put intense pressure on someone, often in interrogation, discipline, or strict management. Restricted to 締め上げる spelling.
上司は部下を締め上げて、ミスの原因を問いただした。
The boss pressed his subordinate hard and demanded the cause of the mistake.
警察は容疑者を締め上げて自白させようとした。
The police tried to crack down on the suspect and force a confession.
ichidan verb, transitive verb
settle accounts; collect debts
Only when written 締め上げる
Rare, specific use: to forcefully collect money or settle financial matters. Restricted to 締め上げる spelling.
借金取りが来て、彼を締め上げて金を払わせた。
A debt collector came and squeezed him to pay up.