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 of suffocate

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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.
Aim to spread a 3-inch layer of mulch around your perennials, shrubs, and trees after the first hard frost, in order to effectively insulate the plants’ roots without suffocating them. — Abby Monteil, The Spruce, 28 Oct. 2026 Stokes finished with a personal 2026 postseason-best 13 points to go with eight rebounds, three blocks and suffocating defense on Dream star Angel Reese, who was held to seven points on 2-for-8 shooting. — Reuters, NBC news, 27 Oct. 2026 The segment ends with Homer suffocating Kodos with a pillow — this after the military blows up the heads of dozens of aliens. — Joshua Kurp, Vulture, 26 Oct. 2026 The combination of Chance downing teams inside the 10-yard line combined with a suffocating defense could be a recipe for success for TCU in the final half of the season. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Oct. 2026 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

See All Rhymes for suffocate

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 29 Oct. 2026.

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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
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