Suffocates Meaning in English
word · lemma: suffocate
ˈsəfəˌkeɪt
SUH-fuh-kayts
sˈʌfəkˌeɪts
SUF-uh-kayts
Definition
To stop someone or something from breathing, often because there is not enough fresh air; can also mean to restrict or stifle something so it cannot develop.
Usage & Nuances
Used both literally (about air and breathing) and figuratively (emotions, ideas, freedom). Common with subjects like "smoke", "crowd", or emotions. Not interchangeable with "choke" (which usually involves something stuck in the throat).
Spanish: asfixiaPortuguese (BR): sufocaPortuguese (PT): sufocaChinese (Simplified): 使窒息Chinese (Traditional): 使窒息Hindi: दम घुटता हैArabic: يخنقBengali: দমবন্ধ করে - শ্বাসরোধ করেRussian: душит - удушаетJapanese: 窒息させるVietnamese: làm ngạt thở - bóp nghẹt (nghĩa bóng)Korean: 질식시키다Turkish: boğar - havasız bırakırUrdu: دم گھوٹتا ہےIndonesian: mencekik - membuat sesak napas
Example Sentences
Too much smoke suffocates her.
basic
A plastic bag suffocates small animals.
basic
The heat in the room suffocates us.
basic
She feels like her job suffocates her creativity.
natural
The city traffic sometimes suffocates me.
natural
All the attention sometimes suffocates him, so he needs time alone.
natural