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suffocate

suf·fo·cate

suffocate

 
 
pronunciation:
suh f keIt
parts of speech:
transitive verb, intransitive verb
features:
Word Combinations (verb), Word Explorer, Word Parts
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: suffocates, suffocating, suffocated
definition 1: to kill by not allowing to take in oxygen; smother.
The murderer suffocated the victim with a pillow.
similar words:
asphyxiate, smother, stifle
definition 2: to make respiration difficult for.
The disease suffocates those who suffer from it.
similar words:
choke
definition 3: to make uncomfortable by keeping in hot or stuffy air.
I was suffocating up in that attic.
definition 4: to suppress the development or expression of.
Strict schools can suffocate children's imaginations.
 
part of speech: intransitive verb
definition 1: to die from lack of oxygen.
similar words:
asphyxiate, smother, stifle
definition 2: to be smothered, stifled, suppressed, or deprived of cool fresh air.
similar words:
choke, stew, stifle
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derivations: suffocative (adj.), suffocatingly (adv.), suffocation (n.)
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