smothering

²smother

verb

smoth·eredsmoth·er·ing\ˈsmə-thə-riŋ, ˈsməth-riŋ\

Definition of SMOTHER

intransitive verb

: to be overcome or killed through or as if through lack of air

transitive 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

Examples of SMOTHER

1. He tried to smother her with a pillow.
2. She smothered the fire with a blanket.

First Known Use of SMOTHER

circa 1520

Related to SMOTHER

Synonyms: choke, stifle, strangle, suffocate

Related Words: garrote (or garotte), throttle; asphyxiate; drown; croak [slang], destroy, dispatch, do in, fell, slay

Near Antonyms: breathe, exhale, expire, inhale, inspire; resuscitate, revive

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Rhymes with SMOTHER

mother, other