Meaning & Definition of word "Suffocate"
Suffocate
/ˈsʌfəkeɪt/
verb:
- 1. to die or cause to die from lack of air or inability to breathe.
- Example: The trapped miners suffocated due to the lack of oxygen.
- 2. to suppress the expression or activity of; stifle.
- Example: The oppressive regime sought to suffocate any dissent.
- 3. to impede or stop the flow of something.
- Example: The thick fog seemed to suffocate visibility on the roads.
Etymology
●From Latin suffocare 'to choke, suffocate', from sub- 'under' + fauces 'throat'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
suffocate with love:
to show overwhelming affection that can be burdensome
suffocate in silence:
to endure pain or distress without expressing it
Related Words
asphyxiate:
to cause to die from lack of oxygen
choke:
to prevent someone from breathing by closing the windpipe
Slang Meanings of suffocate
Meaning: to feel overwhelmed or unable to cope in a situation
● Example Sentence: I felt like I was suffocating under all that pressure from work.
Meaning: to restrict someone's freedom or independence
● Example Sentence: Her overprotective parents were suffocating her social life.