suffocate
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: //ˈsʌfəˌkeɪt//
KK: /sʌfəˌkeɪt/
intransitive verb
Definition
To die or feel very uncomfortable because there is not enough air to breathe.
Example
He started to suffocate in the crowded room with no windows.
Tense Forms
Past: suffocated
Past Participle: suffocated
Conversation
I can't believe how hot it is in this room.
I know, I feel like I'm starting to suffocate over here.
Maybe we should open a window for some fresh air.
Good idea! I definitely don't want to suffocate during our movie night.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
choke
smother
stifle
Antonyms
breathe
exhale
inhale
transitive verb
Definition
To prevent someone or something from breathing, causing discomfort or death by cutting off the air supply.
Example
The smoke from the fire began to suffocate the people inside the building.
Tense Forms
Past: suffocated
Past Participle: suffocated
Conversation
I felt like I was going to suffocate in that crowded elevator.
I know what you mean; those things can get really stuffy.
Yeah, it's like there's no air at all sometimes.
Root Explanation
Suffocate → It is formed from "sub-" (meaning under) and "focare" (meaning to choke or strangle). The word describes the act of choking or strangling someone by blocking their breath, as if from underneath.
Memory Tip
Think of being 'choked' ('focare') from 'under' ('sub-') — that's why suffocate means to block someone's breathing.
Visually Confused Words
unsuffocate
unsuffocated
unsuffocative