Laxi Dictionary

American Dictionary

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Definition suffocate in American English

suffocate verb

verb
/ˈsʌfəˌkeɪt/
1

to die because you cannot breathe, or to kill someone in this way

Example

Many of the victims either burned to death or suffocated.

Example

The men tried to suffocate him with a plastic bag.

Synonyms and related words
kill murder strangle die pass away suffocate
1.1

to feel very uncomfortable because there is not much fresh air to breathe

Synonyms and related words
breathe blow sigh
2

to prevent a relationship, business, skill, etc. from developing in a positive way

Example

The trade embargo is suffocating the nation's economy.

Synonyms and related words
cut into shut off kill
3

to feel that you are not free to enjoy your life or to do what you want, or to make someone feel this way

Example

Living in a small town was suffocating Mona.

Synonyms and related words
limit tie down control
Definition suffocate in American English