suffocated
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: //səˈfʌkeɪtɪd//
KK: /sʌfəˌkeɪtɪd/
adjective
Definition
Describing someone or something that has died because they could not breathe properly.
Example
The suffocated animal was found in the closed box.
Conversation
Did you hear about that poor animal that was found?suffocated in the trash?
Yeah, that's so sad! It's heartbreaking to think about.
I can't believe people can be so careless and cruel.
I know, it makes me feel suffocated by all the negative news sometimes.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
smothered
choked
asphyxiated
Antonyms
breathed
revived
liberated
verb
Definition
To have caused someone or something to be unable to breathe, often leading to a feeling of being choked or smothered.
Example
The smoke from the fire suffocated the trapped animals in the building.
Tense Forms
Past: suffocated
Past Participle: suffocated
Conversation
I felt like I suffocated in that crowded room yesterday.
Really? That sounds uncomfortable!
Yeah, it was hard to breathe with so many people around.
Root Explanation
Suffocated → It is formed from "suffocare" (from Latin, meaning to choke or stifle) which is composed of "sub-" (meaning under) and "focare" (meaning to breathe). The word "suffocated" means to be deprived of breath or to have breathing obstructed.
Memory Tip
Think of being 'under' ('sub-') something that prevents you from 'breathing' ('focare') — that's why suffocated means to be choked or unable to breathe.
Visually Confused Words
unsuffocated
unsuffocate