Main Entry:

suf·fo·cate

Pronunciation:

\ˈsə-fə-ˌkāt\

Function:

verb

Inflected Form(s):

suf·fo·cat·ed; suf·fo·cat·ing

Etymology:

Middle English, from Latin suffocatus, past participle of suffocare to choke, stifle, from sub- + fauces throat

Date:

15th century

transitive verb1 a (1): to stop the respiration of (as by strangling or asphyxiation) (2): to deprive of oxygen b: to make uncomfortable by want of fresh air2: to impede or stop the development ofintransitive verb1: to become suffocated: a (1): to die from being unable to breathe (2): to die from lack of oxygen b: to be uncomfortable through lack of fresh air 2: to become checked in development

— suf·fo·ca·tion \ˌsə-fə-ˈkā-shən\ noun

— suf·fo·ca·tive \ˈsə-fə-ˌkā-tiv\ adjective