Smothering: meaning, definitions and examples

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smothering

[ ˈsmʌðərɪŋ ]

^{Context #1}

feeling

To suffocate or stifle someone or something by covering them completely.

Synonyms

choke, stifle, suffocate

Examples of usage

She felt like the responsibilities of work were smothering her.
The smoke from the fire was smothering the room.

^{Context #2}

emotion

To cover or suppress a feeling or emotion.

Synonyms

conceal, restrain, suppress

Examples of usage

She tried to smother her anger and remain calm.
He smothered his excitement to keep a poker face.

^{Context #3}

food

A thick sauce or gravy served over food.

Synonyms

gravy, sauce, topping

Examples of usage

The meatloaf was covered in a delicious smothering of gravy.
The mashed potatoes were drowning in smothering of cheese sauce.

Translations

Translations of the word "smothering" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sufocante

🇮🇳 दबाना

🇩🇪 ersticken

🇮🇩 mencekik

🇺🇦 задушливий

🇵🇱 duszony

🇯🇵 窒息させる

🇫🇷 étouffant

🇪🇸 sofocante

🇹🇷 boğucu

🇰🇷 질식하는

🇸🇦 خانق

🇨🇿 dusící

🇸🇰 dusivý

🇨🇳 窒息的

🇸🇮 zadušljiv

🇮🇸 kvölun

🇰🇿 тұншықтырушы

🇬🇪 დახრჩობა

🇦🇿 sıxıcı

🇲🇽 sofocante

Word origin

The word 'smothering' originated from Middle English 'smortheren', which is related to the Old English 'smorian' meaning 'to suffocate'. The figurative sense of 'to cover or suppress' emotions appeared in the late 16th century. The noun form referring to a thick sauce or gravy came into use in the mid-18th century.