The meaning of SUFFOCATE is to stop the respiration of (as by strangling or asphyxiation). How to use suffocate in a sentence.

SUFFOCATE definition: to kill by preventing the access of air to the blood through the lungs or analogous organs, as gills; strangle. See examples of suffocate used in a sentence.

to kill, die, cause distress to or feel distress, through lack of air or the prevention of free breathing. A baby may suffocate if it sleeps with a pillow; The smoke was suffocating him; May I open the window?

SUFFOCATE definition: 1. to (cause someone to) die because of not having enough oxygen: 2. to prevent something or…. Learn more.

If someone suffocates or is suffocated, they die because there is no air for them to breathe. He either suffocated, or froze to death. [VERB] Many of the victims died of suffocation.

When you suffocate, you struggle for breath, either because you’re being choked to death or because you’re in a stifling room. You can also suffocate in a figurative sense anytime something is restricted.

Factsheet What does the verb suffocate mean? There are five meanings listed in OED's entry for the verb suffocate. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

She was afraid that thick pillows and blankets could suffocate [= smother] the baby. The victims were found suffocated.

suf•fo•cate /ˈsʌfəˌkeɪt/ v., -cat•ed, -cat•ing. Pathology to kill by preventing the passage of air; strangle:[~ + object] The plastic bag must have suffocated the baby. smother:[no object] The baby must have …

Definition of suffocate verb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.