The meaning of SUFFOCATE is to stop the respiration of (as by strangling or asphyxiation). How to use suffocate in a sentence.

to kill, die, cause distress to or feel distress, through lack of air or the prevention of free breathing. A baby may suffocate if it sleeps with a pillow; The smoke was suffocating him; May I open the window?

SUFFOCATE definition: to kill by preventing the access of air to the blood through the lungs or analogous organs, as gills; strangle. See examples of suffocate used in a sentence.

If someone suffocates or is suffocated, they die because there is no air for them to breathe. He either suffocated, or froze to death. [VERB] Many of the victims died of suffocation.

SUFFOCATE definition: 1. to (cause someone to) die because of not having enough oxygen: 2. to prevent something or…. Learn more.

Definition of suffocate verb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Factsheet What does the verb suffocate mean? There are five meanings listed in OED's entry for the verb suffocate. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

When you suffocate, you struggle for breath, either because you’re being choked to death or because you’re in a stifling room. You can also suffocate in a figurative sense anytime something is restricted.

Jul 21, 2025 · suffocate (third-person singular simple present suffocates, present participle suffocating, simple past and past participle suffocated) (ergative) To suffer, or cause someone to suffer, from …

To deprive someone or something of the ability to breathe, resulting in asphyxiation or the restriction of airflow. "Do not suffocate your dreams by nurturing self-doubt." It involves the suppression of oxygen …