suffocate
su
ˈsə
ffo
cate
ˌkeɪt
keit
British pronunciation
/sˈʌfəkˌe‍ɪt/

Definition & Meaning of "suffocate"in English

to suffocate
01

to block someone or something's access to air, making it difficult or impossible to breathe

Transitive: to suffocate sb/sth
to suffocate definition and meaning
example
Examples
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.
02

to struggle for breathing due to the lack or reduced amount of oxygen

Intransitive
to suffocate definition and meaning
example
Examples
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.
03

to feel overwhelmed, trapped, or oppressed

Transitive: to suffocate sb/sth
example
Examples
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.
04

to die because there is not enough oxygen to breathe

Intransitive
example
Examples
The patient suffocated when the breathing tube became blocked.
The dog suffocated in the car when the windows were closed.
05

to prevent something from growing or progressing by blocking or restricting it

Transitive: to suffocate development of something
example
Examples
The heavy regulations could choke the growth of new businesses.
His negative attitude choked the team's potential for success.
06

to be stopped or hindered in progress or growth

Intransitive
example
Examples
The project began to suffocate as funding dried up.
The company ’s innovation suffocated under constant bureaucratic red tape.
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