suffocate — to die or cause someone to die from lack of air or inability to breathe
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to die or cause someone to die from lack of air or inability to breathe
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈsʌf.ə.keɪt/
Example Sentences
- My little brother tried to suffocate me with a pillow during our pillow fight, but he's too weak to actually do it.
- The plastic bag warning label says it can suffocate small children, so keep it away from them.
- I felt like I was suffocating in that tiny elevator with five other sweaty gym members.
suffocate
VERB[/ˈsʌf.ə.keɪt/]
to die or cause someone to die from lack of air or inability to breathe
Trapped smoke in the kitchen begins to suffocate the panicked chef.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This word derives from Latin, combining sub- meaning 'from below' and fauces meaning 'throat' or 'gullet'. The term originally expressed the condition of being unable to breathe due to obstruction in the throat, reflecting Roman understanding of asphyxiation.
Breakdown
sub- (from below) + fauces (throat/gullet) + -ate (verb suffix). The Latin root fauces referred to the throat or passage, with the prefix sub- indicating the origin of obstruction from within or below the throat.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My little brother tried to suffocate me with a pillow during our pillow fight, but he's too weak to actually do it.”
“The plastic bag warning label says it can suffocate small children, so keep it away from them.”
“I felt like I was suffocating in that tiny elevator with five other sweaty gym members.”
“Too many regulations can suffocate small businesses and prevent them from growing.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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