Main Entry:

²smother

Function:

verb

Inflected Form(s):

smoth·ered; smoth·er·ing \ˈsmə-thə-riŋ, ˈsməth-riŋ\

Date:

circa 1520

intransitive verb: to be overcome or killed through or as if through lack of airtransitive verb1: to overcome or kill with smoke or fumes2 a: to kill by depriving of air b: to overcome or discomfit through or as if through lack of air c: to suppress (a fire) by excluding oxygen3 a: to cause to smolder b: to suppress expression or knowledge of <smothered his rage> c: to stop or prevent the growth or activity of <smother a child with too much care> ; also : overwhelm d: to cover thickly : blanket <snow smothered the trails> e: to overcome or vanquish quickly or decisively4: to cook in a covered pan or pot with little liquid over low heat