Suffocate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ท
suffocate
[หsสf.ษ.keษชt ]
Definitions
in a closed space
To suffocate means to die or cause someone to die because of a lack of air. This can happen if someone is in a closed space with no fresh air or if something is covering their face or body, preventing them from breathing.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| suffocate |
Used when someone or something is unable to breathe due to lack of air or obstruction, often used in both literal and metaphorical senses.
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| smother |
Implies covering someone or something completely, preventing air from getting through. It also has a metaphorical use to describe excessive care or attention that restricts freedom.
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| strangle |
Specifically means compressing the throat to cut off air supply, often with violent implications. It generally carries a negative connotation, implying intent to harm.
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| choke |
Refers to having difficulty breathing because something is blocking your throat. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a situation where someone fails under pressure.
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Examples of usage
- He suffocated in the airtight room.
- The victim was suffocated with a plastic bag.
- The child nearly suffocated under the heavy blanket.
figurative use
To suffocate can also mean to feel extremely constrained, overwhelmed, or stifled, as if you are unable to breathe figuratively. This can refer to emotional, mental, or social situations that make you feel trapped or restricted.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| suffocate |
Repeated instance; please refer to the previous description for this word. |
| oppress |
Used to describe a situation where a person or group is treated unfairly or cruelly, often leading to feelings of heavy burden. Typically related to social, political, or economic power.
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| strangle |
Used when describing the act of choking someone by wrapping hands or an object around their neck. It can also be used metaphorically to describe severely limiting someone's freedoms or opportunities.
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| overwhelm |
Describes a situation where someone is completely overcome by emotion, workload, or another force. It implies a sense of being unable to cope.
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Examples of usage
- She felt suffocated by the demands of her job.
- The strict rules suffocated his creativity.
- The city noise suffocated her desire for peace.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Feeling suffocated can sometimes relate to psychological stress, where individuals feel overwhelmed by their circumstances.
- This sense of being trapped is often linked to anxiety disorders, where one might feel cornered by their thoughts.
- In relationships, the term is often used to describe feelings of being stifled or over-controlled by a partner.
Medical
- Suffocation can occur due to physical obstruction, like choking on food or an object.
- Asthma and other respiratory conditions can mimic feelings of suffocation when airways are restricted.
- It is a major concern in emergency medicine and can have fatal consequences if not addressed swiftly.
Pop Culture
- The concept of suffocation is often used in horror movies to create tension and fear, symbolizing helplessness.
- In literature, authors might describe suffocation metaphorically, portraying charactersโ emotional states as 'suffocating' under societal pressures.
- Lyrics in various songs often use the idea of suffocation to express feelings of being overwhelmed in love or life.
Natural Science
- Certain animals, like fish, can suffocate if there's not enough oxygen in the water.
- Suffocation can occur in closed environments, such as poorly ventilated spaces, where oxygen depletion happens.
- Plants can also 'suffocate' if they are overly waterlogged, restricting the air necessary for root respiration.
Origin of 'suffocate'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'suffocare', which means 'to choke'.
- It was first used in the English language around the late 14th century.
- The prefix 'sub-' in Latin means 'under' or 'below'; combined with 'focare' (related to 'focare' meaning to 'smoke or choke'), it emphasizes the act of being choked.
The word 'suffocate' originated in the late Middle English period, derived from the Latin word 'suffocare', meaning 'to stifle' or 'choke'. It has been used in English since the 15th century to describe the act of causing someone to die from lack of air. Over time, its meaning expanded to include the idea of feeling emotionally or mentally overwhelmed. The word continues to be widely used in both literal and figurative contexts.