Main Entry: suf·fo·cate

Pronunciation: \ˈsəf-ə-ˌkāt\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): suf·fo·cat·ed; suf·fo·cat·ing

transitive verb

1 : to stop the respiration of (as by strangling or asphyxiation)
2 : to deprive of oxygen

intransitive verb

: to die from being unable to breathe

—suf·fo·ca·tive \-ˌkāt-iv\ adjective