suffocate

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verb suf·fo·cate \ ˈsə-fə-ˌkāt \

Definition of suffocate

suffocated; suffocating

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 of

intransitive 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

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suffocation

play \ˌsə-fə-ˈkā-shən\ noun

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suffocative

play \ˈsə-fə-ˌkā-tiv\ adjective

See suffocate defined for English-language learners

See suffocate defined for kids

Examples of suffocate in a Sentence

Don't put that pillow over her face—she could suffocate.
The poor dog could suffocate in the car on a hot day like this.
The victims were found suffocated.

Recent Examples of suffocate from the Web

A Pennsylvania couple appeared in court this week to face multiple charges in the April 25 death of their 2-year-old son, Eoin Dwyer, who authorities say suffocated after being trapped beneath a mattress held down on top of his crib.

— steve helling, PEOPLE.com, "Pa. Toddler Dies After Parents Allegedly Tie Mattress on Top of Crib to Keep Him From Getting Out," 25 Aug. 2017
The July 31 non-waiver trade deadline had certainly taken its toll on a clubhouse that seemed increasingly suffocated by it, with so many of the Detroit Tigers’ players swirling in rumors.

— anthony fenech, Detroit Free Press, "With pressure of trade deadline gone, relaxed Tigers playing much better," 5 Aug. 2017
As the tennis star Andy Murray experienced for years at Wimbledon, Britain comes together this time every summer to suffocate its own in the name of support.

— karen crouse, New York Times, "Where He Once Trespassed, Tommy Fleetwood Chases British Open Crown," 19 July 2017
Creams and oils can feel like suffocating masks in warm weather.

— courtney brunson, Allure, "Water Is the Essence of Wetness and Also of These Innovative Moisturizers," 11 July 2017
Government asking Congress for more funds to restore service Carwash prosecutor says government is suffocating the police Brazil’s federal police has halted issuing new passports on the eve of school vacations, citing insufficient funds.

— david biller, Bloomberg.com, "Brazil Stops Issuing Passports in Budget Dispute," 28 June 2017
The victims suffocated at an F.A. Cup semifinal between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest after the police opened a gate in an effort to relieve congestion outside the stadium before the game.

— dan bilefsky, New York Times, "Six Are Charged in 1989 Hillsborough Stadium Disaster in England," 28 June 2017
Authorities said Deal suffocated and was found dead the next day as temperatures surpassed 100 degrees.

— CBS News, "Woman convicted in death of girl locked in plastic storage box," 26 June 2017
The Bridge family’s material needs are all met — and yet confusion and futility close in and suffocate them.

— jacob gedetsis, kansascity.com, "The KC guide to summer reading: Books by Kansas Citians or set here," 23 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'suffocate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of suffocate

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

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suffocate Synonyms

Synonyms

choke, stifle, strangle, smother

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

SUFFOCATE Defined for English Language Learners

suffocate

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verb

Definition of suffocate for English Language Learners

: to die because you are unable to breathe
: to kill (someone) by making breathing impossible
: to be uncomfortable because there is not enough fresh air

SUFFOCATE Defined for Kids

suffocate

play

verb suf·fo·cate \ ˈsə-fə-ˌkāt \

Definition of suffocate for Students

suffocated; suffocating

1 :to kill by stopping the breathing of or by depriving of oxygen to breathe

2 :to die from being unable to breathe

3 :to be or become choked or smothered

Weeds are suffocating the flowers we planted.

4 :to suffer from lack of fresh air

Medical Dictionary

suffocate

play

verb suf·fo·cate \ ˈsəf-ə-ˌkāt \

medical Definition of suffocate

suffocated; suffocating

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

—

suffocative

play \-ˌkāt-iv\ adjective

Learn More about suffocate

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suffocate

Definition of suffocate

suffocation

suffocative

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Examples of suffocate in a Sentence

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Origin and Etymology of suffocate

suffocate Synonyms

Synonyms

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Near Antonyms

SUFFOCATE Defined for English Language Learners

suffocate

Definition of suffocate for English Language Learners

SUFFOCATE Defined for Kids

suffocate

Definition of suffocate for Students

Medical Dictionary

suffocate

medical Definition of suffocate

suffocative

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