Suffocating

/ˈsʌf.ə.keɪ.tɪŋ/

Meaning & Definition

verb

Present participle of suffocate.

The thick smoke was suffocating the trapped occupants of the building.

adjective

Causing difficulty in breathing; oppressive.

The suffocating heat made it impossible to breathe comfortably.

Restricting or stifling progress or freedom.

The suffocating regulations were hindering the growth of small businesses.

From Middle English suffocaten, from Latin suffocare, from sub- 'under' + fauces 'throat'.

suffocating heat

Extreme heat that makes it difficult to breathe comfortably.

suffocating pressure

Intense pressure that feels overwhelming, either physically or emotionally.

suffocate

To prevent from breathing; to choke.

suffocation

The state of being deprived of air or unable to breathe.

Feeling overwhelmed by stress or obligations.

I’m feeling suffocating with all these deadlines looming over me.

An extreme level of intimacy or clinginess in a relationship.

Her constant texts felt suffocating, I needed some space.