Definition

Causing difficulty in breathing or feeling trapped, often due to a lack of air or overwhelming pressure.

Example

The suffocating heat made it hard to breathe during the summer.

Conversation

I felt really suffocating in that crowded concert last night.

Yeah, I can imagine! Those places can get overwhelming.

I thought I might faint from the heat and the crowd.

That's the worst! Next time, we should find a spot with more space.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To make it difficult for someone to breathe, often causing them to feel trapped or unable to get enough air.

Example

The smoke from the fire was suffocating, making it hard to breathe.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I felt really suffocating in that crowded room yesterday.

I know what you mean; sometimes too many people can be overwhelming.

Exactly! It was hard to breathe in there.

Root Explanation

Suffocating → It is formed from "suffocare" (from Latin, meaning to choke or stifle) and the suffix "-ing" (indicating the action or process). The word "suffocating" refers to the action of choking or causing someone to be unable to breathe.

Memory Tip

Imagine the action of choking or stifling someone's breath — that's what suffocating means.

Visually Confused Words