suffocate meaning and definition

SUFFOCATE verb

Definition of suffocate (verb)

1. deprive of oxygen and prevent from breathing
   • "Othello smothered Desdemona with a pillow"; "The child suffocated herself with a plastic bag that the parents had left on the floor"
   • synonyms: asphyxiate, smother
2. impair the respiration of or obstruct the air passage of
   • "The foul air was slowly suffocating the children"
   • synonyms: asphyxiate, choke, stifle
3. become stultified, suppressed, or stifled
   • "He is suffocating--living at home with his aged parents in the small village"
   • synonyms: choke
4. suppress the development, creativity, or imagination of
   • "His job suffocated him"
   • synonyms: choke
5. be asphyxiated; die from lack of oxygen
   • "The child suffocated under the pillow"
   • synonyms: asphyxiate, stifle
6. feel uncomfortable for lack of fresh air
   • "The room was hot and stuffy and we were suffocating"
7. struggle for breath; have insufficient oxygen intake
   • "he swallowed a fishbone and gagged"
   • synonyms: choke, gag, strangle