Smother: meaning, definitions and examples

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smother

[ ˈsmʌðər ]

^{Context #1}

action

To suffocate (someone) by covering their nose and mouth tightly or by depriving them of air.

Synonyms

asphyxiate, strangle, suffocate

Examples of usage

The killer smothered the victim with a pillow.
She accidentally smothered her baby by falling asleep on top of him.

^{Context #2}

emotion

To stifle or suppress (an emotion).

Synonyms

restrain, stifle, suppress

Examples of usage

She tried to smother her laughter during the serious meeting.
He smothered his anger and put on a fake smile.

^{Context #3}

food

A thick mass or layer of something, especially a sauce or cream.

Synonyms

blanket, covering, layer

Examples of usage

The pancakes were covered in a delicious smother of syrup.
The steak was topped with a smother of mushrooms and onions.

Translations

Translations of the word "smother" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sufocar

🇮🇳 दम घोंटना (dam ghotna)

🇩🇪 ersticken

🇮🇩 mencekik

🇺🇦 душити

🇵🇱 dusić

🇯🇵 窒息させる (chissoku saseru)

🇫🇷 étouffer

🇪🇸 asfixiar

🇹🇷 boğmak

🇰🇷 질식시키다 (jilsiksikida)

🇸🇦 خنق (khanq)

🇨🇿 udušit

🇸🇰 udusiť

🇨🇳 窒息 (zhìxí)

🇸🇮 zadušiti

🇮🇸 kæfa

🇰🇿 тұншықтыру (tunshyqtyru)

🇬🇪 მახრჩობელა (makharchobela)

🇦🇿 boğmaq

🇲🇽 asfixiar

Word origin

The word 'smother' originated from Middle English 'smortheren', which is related to the Old English 'smorian' meaning 'to suffocate'. The sense of 'covering thickly' evolved in the late 16th century. The verb 'smother' has been used in English since the 14th century.