suffocate

verb

suf·​fo·​cate ˈsə-fə-ˌkāt How to pronounce suffocate (audio)
suffocated; suffocating
Synonyms of suffocatenext

transitive verb

1
a(1)
: to stop the respiration of (as by strangling or asphyxiation)
(2)
: to deprive of oxygen
b
: to make uncomfortable by want of fresh air
2
: to impede or stop the development of

intransitive verb

1
: to become suffocated:
a(1)
: to die from being unable to breathe
(2)
: to die from lack of oxygen
b
: to be uncomfortable through lack of fresh air
2
: to become checked in development
suffocation
ˌsə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce suffocate (audio)
noun
suffocative
ˈsə-fə-ˌkā-tiv How to pronounce suffocate (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of suffocate

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Examples of suffocate in a Sentence

The poor dog could suffocate in the car on a hot day like this. Don't put your head in a plastic bag—you could suffocate.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Amazon also faces another sweeping lawsuit by the FTC and 17 states that paints the company as a monopolist that suffocates competitors and raises costs for both sellers and shoppers. — Alina Selyukh, NPR, 31 Aug. 2026 Six days after the disaster, fears were growing that some might have suffocated, Dangi said. — Shristi Kafle, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026 King managed to take the suffocating history of the Indian — the treaties, the massacres, the Hollywood caricatures — and turn it into something conversational, even funny. — Tommy Orange, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026 Similar in stature to Riq Woolen, Jones has a rare 6-4 frame for a cornerback, with the length and speed to suffocate receivers. — Dane Brugler, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for suffocate

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin suffōcātus, past participle of suffōcāre "to stifle, choke, deprive of air, squeeze together," from suf-, assimilated form of sub- sub- + -fōcāre, verbal derivative of fauc-, faux (ordinarily in plural faucēs) "upper part of the throat, pharynx, windpipe," of obscure origin

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a(1)

Time Traveler
The first known use of suffocate was in the 15th century

Rhymes for suffocate

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Browse Nearby Words

sufflation
suffocate
suffocating
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Suffocate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/suffocate. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

suffocate

verb
suf·​fo·​cate ˈsəf-ə-ˌkāt How to pronounce suffocate (audio)
suffocated; suffocating
1
a
: to stop the breathing of (as by strangling)
b
: to deprive of oxygen
c
: to make uncomfortable by want of fresh air
2
: to become suffocated
especially : to die or suffer from being unable to breathe or from lack of oxygen
suffocation
ˌsəf-ə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce suffocate (audio)
noun

Medical Definition

suffocate

verb
suf·​fo·​cate ˈsəf-ə-ˌkāt How to pronounce suffocate (audio)
suffocated; suffocating

transitive verb

1
: to stop the respiration of (as by strangling or asphyxiation)
2
: to deprive of oxygen

intransitive verb

: to die from being unable to breathe
suffocative
-ˌkāt-iv How to pronounce suffocate (audio)
adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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