Suffocating: meaning, definitions and examples

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suffocating

[ˈsʌfəˌkeɪtɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

feeling

Causing or experiencing difficulty in breathing, especially as a result of lack of fresh air.

Synonyms

confining, oppressive, stifling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
suffocating	This term is often used to describe situations where someone feels they can't breathe or are under extreme pressure, whether physically or emotionally. It can describe literal lack of air or a metaphorical sense of being overwhelmed. The room was so small and crowded, it felt suffocating. Her job was suffocating her with its endless demands.
stifling	Used to indicate a sense of extreme heat or a situation that restricts freedom or creativity. It emphasizes conditions that are hard to endure because of the lack of air or openness. The stifling air in the attic made it hard to breathe. The strict rules at school were stifling her creativity.
oppressive	This word is typically used to describe situations or regimes that exert extreme control and cause suffering. It can also refer to an overpowering and difficult atmosphere or mood. The oppressive heat made it hard to go outside. They lived under an oppressive government that restricted all freedoms.
confining	Use this when referring to a situation, space, or relationship that feels restricting or limiting. It often suggests a lack of freedom or ability to move freely. The cast on her leg was confining. Living in such a small town felt confining to him.

Examples of usage

The suffocating heat made it hard to breathe.
The room was so crowded that it felt suffocating.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

action

To die or cause to die from lack of air or inability to breathe.

Synonyms

choke, smother, strangle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
suffocating	Used to describe both physical and emotional situations where breathing or freedom feels restricted. The room felt suffocating due to the lack of ventilation. Her controlling behavior was suffocating him.
strangle	Refers to squeezing someone's neck tightly in a way that stops them from breathing. Often has a violent connotation. He tried to strangle her in a fit of rage. The weeds are starting to strangle the young plants.
smother	Usually describes covering something completely, often leading to a lack of air, but can also refer to excessive or overprotective affection. The fire was smothered with a blanket to put it out. She felt her mother's constant attention was beginning to smother her.
choke	Describes a situation where someone is struggling to breathe, often due to something blocking their airway. He started to choke on a piece of food. The smoke was thick, almost making us choke.

Examples of usage

He suffocated in the smoke-filled room.
The pillow suffocated the victim.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Feeling suffocated can happen emotionally when someone feels trapped or overwhelmed in a relationship or situation.
The sensation can lead to anxiety or panic attacks because the body reacts as if it’s really out of air.
Suffocating feelings are often connected to stress, sometimes causing people to withdraw or seek help.

Health

In medical terms, suffocation happens when air cannot reach the lungs, which can be caused by choking or blocked airways.
Conditions like asthma or sleep apnea can create suffocating sensations due to the difficulty in breathing during physical or restful activities.
Emergency procedures like the Heimlich maneuver can help save someone who is choking and experiencing suffocation.

Literature

In many novels, characters often describe suffocating environments to symbolize emotional distress or oppressive situations.
Poets might use the concept of suffocating to express feelings of despair or entrapment in their verses.
Classic works like '1984' by George Orwell illustrate suffocation through themes of totalitarian control and loss of freedom.

Environmental Science

Environmental factors, like air pollution, can create a metaphorical sense of suffocation for communities affected by poor air quality.
Suffocating landscapes, such as areas plagued by excessive urbanization, impact mental well-being by limiting space and natural beauty.
Conservation efforts aim to combat the suffocating effects of climate change on various ecosystems.

Pop Culture

Songs often use the idea of suffocating emotions to illustrate heartbreak, as seen in tracks by artists like Adele.
Movies might depict suffocating scenarios to heighten tension, especially in thrillers or horror genres.
The term is frequently used in social media to describe overwhelming feelings in today's fast-paced digital world.

Translations

Translations of the word "suffocating" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sufocante

🇮🇳 दम घुट रहा है

🇩🇪 erstickend

🇮🇩 mencekik

🇺🇦 душить

🇵🇱 duszący

🇯🇵 窒息する

🇫🇷 étouffant

🇪🇸 sofocante

🇹🇷 boğucu

🇰🇷 숨막히는

🇸🇦 خانق

🇨🇿 dusivý

🇸🇰 dusivý

🇨🇳 窒息的

🇸🇮 zadušljiv

🇮🇸 kæfandi

🇰🇿 тұншығу

🇬🇪 მახრჩობელი

🇦🇿 boğucu

🇲🇽 sofocante

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,487, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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21484 cashed
21485 implausible
21486 bilaterally
21487 suffocating
21488 spatula
21489 partridge
21490 refueling
...