Suffocate

/ˈsʌfəkeɪt/

Meaning & Definition

verb
to die or cause to die from lack of air or inability to breathe.
The trapped miners suffocated due to the lack of oxygen.
to suppress the expression or activity of; stifle.
The oppressive regime sought to suffocate any dissent.
to impede or stop the flow of something.
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

Slang Meanings

to feel overwhelmed or unable to cope in a situation
I felt like I was suffocating under all that pressure from work.
to restrict someone's freedom or independence
Her overprotective parents were suffocating her social life.