Suffocate

Pronunciation: /ˈsʌfəˌkeɪt/

Suffocate (verb)

  1. To die or have trouble breathing because there is no air.
  2. To stop air from reaching someone or something, causing breathing problems.
  3. To feel trapped or unable to act freely because of too many rules or pressure.

Examples

  • He felt like he would suffocate in the crowded room.
  • The thick smoke made it hard to breathe and almost suffocate.

Common collocations: suffocate in smoke, suffocate in a crowd, suffocate with a pillow, suffocate the fire, suffocate under pressure

Synonyms of Suffocate

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Antonyms of Suffocate

  • referring to the act of inhaling air