suf·fo·cate [ súffə kàyt ](past and past participlesuf·fo·cat·ed, present participlesuf·fo·cat·ing, 3rd person present singularsuf·fo·cates)
transitive and intransitive verb
Definition:
1. die from lack of air: to die from lack of air, or kill somebody by stopping him or her from breathing
2. stop breathing: to deprive somebody of air or prevent somebody from breathing, or be unable to breathe
3. feel, or make somebody, too warm: to feel uncomfortable through excessive heat and lack of fresh air, or make somebody feel uncomfortable in this way
4. prevent somebody or something from developing: to confine and restrict somebody or something with adverse effects, or be or feel confined and restricted in development or self-expression
[15th century. < Latin suffocat-, past participle of suffocare "narrow up" < fauc- "throat, narrow entrance"]
