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 verb 1 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 air
2 : to impede or stop the development ofintransitive verb 1 : 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