Definition

Describing something that can make it hard to breathe or feel suffocated.

Example

The suffocative heat in the room made it difficult to concentrate.

Conversation

I felt really uncomfortable in that crowded room yesterday.

Yeah, it can get a bit suffocative with so many people around.

Exactly! I couldn't breathe properly after a while.

Maybe next time we should choose a bigger place.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Suffocative → It is formed from "suffocare" (from Latin, meaning to choke or stifle) and the suffix "-ive" (meaning having the nature of). The word "suffocative" describes something that has the nature of choking or stifling, often referring to an environment that restricts breathing.

Memory Tip

Think of something that 'chokes' or 'stifles' you — that's what 'suffocative' means, having the nature of causing suffocation.

Visually Confused Words