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to suffocate
01
to struggle for breathing due to the lack or reduced amount of oxygen
Intransitive
Example
She nearly suffocated under the heavy blanket while taking a nap.
The firefighter rescued the trapped cat, preventing it from suffocating in the smoke-filled room.
The room was so stuffy that she began to suffocate and had to open a window.
02
to block someone or something's access to air, making it difficult or impossible to breathe
Transitive: to suffocate sb/sth
Example
In the crowded room, he felt as if the lack of air would suffocate him.
The thick smoke suffocated the people trapped in the building.
The room was so airtight that the heat began to suffocate everyone inside.
03
to feel overwhelmed, trapped, or oppressed
Transitive: to suffocate sb/sth
Example
The relentless demands of her job suffocated her, leaving her exhausted.
The relationship began to suffocate her, making her feel like she could n’t breathe.
The feeling of being trapped in a small town suffocated his dreams.
04
to die because there is not enough oxygen to breathe
Intransitive
Example
The patient suffocated when the breathing tube became blocked.
The dog suffocated in the car when the windows were closed.
The victims suffocated in the fire, unable to escape the smoke.
05
to prevent something from growing or progressing by blocking or restricting it
Transitive: to suffocate development of something
Example
The heavy regulations could choke the growth of new businesses.
His negative attitude choked the team's potential for success.
The lack of resources choked the development of the project.
06
to be stopped or hindered in progress or growth
Intransitive
Example
The project began to suffocate as funding dried up.
The company ’s innovation suffocated under constant bureaucratic red tape.
The idea suffocated when no one was willing to support it.
