suffocate
Translation
to die from lack of air, to stifle, to smother
Examples
He tried to suffocate her with a pillow.
He tried to suffocate her with a pillow.
The room was so hot I felt I would suffocate.
The room was so hot I felt I would suffocate.
The new rules will suffocate creativity.
The new rules will suffocate creativity.
Grammar Patterns
((sb.)) ((with sth.)) to kill someone by preventing them from breathing. He tried to suffocate her with a pillow.
(intransitive) to have difficulty breathing. The room was so hot I felt I would suffocate.
((sth.)) to prevent something from developing. The new rules will suffocate creativity.
Similar Words
Etymology
From Latin 'suffocare', from 'sub-' (under) and 'fauces' (throat). Literally 'to choke under the throat'.
Memory Tips
Think of being 'stuffed' and unable to breathe. The 'suff-' part sounds like 'stuffed'.