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 verb 1 : to overcome or kill with smoke or fumes
2 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 oxygen
3 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 decisively
4 : to cook in a covered pan or pot with little liquid over low heat