Smothering: meaning, definitions and examples

When someone or something can't breathe due to lack of air or being tightly closed in. It often has a negative connotation and can be used metaphorically.

• He felt like he was going to suffocate in the small, crowded room.
• She felt suffocated by her controlling partner.

When something is being suppressed or held back, often regarding emotion, creativity, or freedom. It can also refer to making someone unable to breathe easily.

• She had to stifle a laugh during the serious meeting.
• The room was so hot that it felt stifling.

When something is stuck in the throat and air cannot pass, or feeling severe difficulty in breathing. It can also refer to someone failing under pressure.

• He started to choke on a piece of steak.
• Don't choke during the exam, you know the material.

Use 'smothering' when describing covering something completely to prevent it from breathing or growing. It often has a negative connotation.

• The new grass was smothering under the heavy snow
• His overprotective behavior felt smothering to her

Use 'suppress' when describing the act of forcefully stopping something from happening or being expressed, such as emotions, actions, or information. It can have a negative connotation.

• The government tried to suppress the news about the protests
• He struggled to suppress his laughter during the meeting

Use 'conceal' when you want to describe hiding something from view or keeping it secret. It is often neutral but can have a negative connotation depending on context.

• She used makeup to conceal her scars
• He tried to conceal his disappointment when he didn't win the award

Use 'restrain' when referring to holding back or keeping someone or something under control, physically or emotionally.

• The police had to restrain the suspect during the arrest
• She tried to restrain her anger when she heard the news

Refers to covering something entirely, often used in cooking to describe a dish heavily covered in a substance like sauce or cheese. Can also imply a sense of excessive or overwhelming love or attention.

• The chef's specialty is smothering the steak in mushroom sauce.
• She felt overwhelmed by her mother's smothering affection.

A liquid or semi-liquid substance served with food to add flavor. Can be sweet or savory and is used across various cuisines.

• She added a spicy tomato sauce to the pasta.
• The chocolate sauce on the ice cream was perfect.

A thick, rich sauce made from meat juices, often served with meat and potatoes. Commonly used in comfort food and traditional dishes.

• He poured the gravy generously over his mashed potatoes.
• The turkey came with a side of delicious, savory gravy.

An ingredient or mixture placed on top of a dish to enhance its flavor or appearance. Used in a variety of dishes from desserts to pizzas.

• He sprinkled cheese and herbs as a topping on the pizza.
• The cake was finished with a topping of whipped cream and berries.