suffocate

verb

suf·​fo·​cate ˈsə-fə-ˌkāt How to pronounce suffocate (audio)
suffocated; suffocating
Synonyms of suffocatenext

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
suffocation
ˌsə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce suffocate (audio)
noun
suffocative
ˈsə-fə-ˌkā-tiv How to pronounce suffocate (audio)
adjective

Synonyms

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of suffocate in a Sentence

The poor dog could suffocate in the car on a hot day like this. Don't put your head in a plastic bag—you could suffocate.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Iran’s economy is suffocating under sanctions, and Trump, focused on expanding any lucrative business opportunities, is keen to avoid escalating military action in the Middle East. — Laura Kelly, The Hill, 23 Apr. 2025 But Season 2, by leaning so far into its characters’ anguish, has become more circular and suffocating in its storytelling. — Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 21 Apr. 2025 The Panthers play a defense-first, forecheck-heavy style that suffocates opponents and suppresses scoring chances. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2025 Tackle high-interest debt, like credit cards or personal loans, which can suffocate you when income dries up. — Jack Kelly, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for suffocate

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin suffōcātus, past participle of suffōcāre "to stifle, choke, deprive of air, squeeze together," from suf-, assimilated form of sub- sub- + -fōcāre, verbal derivative of fauc-, faux (ordinarily in plural faucēs) "upper part of the throat, pharynx, windpipe," of obscure origin

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a(1)

Time Traveler
The first known use of suffocate was in the 15th century

Rhymes for suffocate

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Browse Nearby Words

sufflation
suffocate
suffocating
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Suffocate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/suffocate. Accessed 27 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

suffocate

verb
suf·​fo·​cate ˈsəf-ə-ˌkāt How to pronounce suffocate (audio)
suffocated; suffocating
1
a
: to stop the breathing of (as by strangling)
b
: to deprive of oxygen
c
: to make uncomfortable by want of fresh air
2
: to become suffocated
especially : to die or suffer from being unable to breathe or from lack of oxygen
suffocation
ˌsəf-ə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce suffocate (audio)
noun

Medical Definition

suffocate

verb
suf·​fo·​cate ˈsəf-ə-ˌkāt How to pronounce suffocate (audio)
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
-ˌkāt-iv How to pronounce suffocate (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on suffocate

Nglish: Translation of suffocate for Spanish Speakers

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