Meaning of the word suffocate in English

What does suffocate mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

suffocate

US /ˈsʌf.ə.keɪt/
UK /ˈsʌf.ə.keɪt/

Verb

1.

to die because you are unable to breathe, or to kill someone by preventing them from breathing

Example:
The victim was found to have suffocated.
He tried to suffocate his opponent with a pillow.
2.

to prevent something from developing or continuing

Example:
The heavy snow suffocated all hopes of a quick recovery.
Bureaucracy can suffocate innovation.
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