Definition of: suffocate

(suf′ə·kāt) v. ·cat·ed, ·cat·ing v.t.
1. To kill by obstructing respiration in any manner.
2. To obstruct or oppress, as by an inadequate supply of air.
3. To stifle; extinguish; smother, as a fire.
—v.i.
4. To become choked or stifled; die from suffocation. [<L suffocatus, pp. of suffocare <sub- under + fauces throat]
—suf′fo·cat′ing·Iy adverb
—suf′fo·ca′tion noun
—suf′fo·ca′tive adjective