suf·fo·cate 
/ˈsʌfəˌkeɪt/ verb
suf·fo·cates; suf·fo·cat·ed; suf·fo·cat·ing /ˈsʌfəˌkeɪt/ verb 1 a [no obj] : to die because you are unable to breathe
▪ Don't put that pillow over her face—she could suffocate. ▪ The poor dog could suffocate in the car on a hot day like this. — sometimes used figuratively ▪ I'm suffocating in this job. [=I can't express myself, act freely, etc., in this job]
b [+ obj] : to kill (someone) by making breathing impossible
▪ She was afraid that thick pillows and blankets could suffocate [=smother] the baby. ▪ The victims were found suffocated. — sometimes used figuratively ▪ Anger and resentment slowly suffocated their marriage. ▪ Critics say that the new tax will suffocate local businesses. 2 [no obj] : to be uncomfortable because there is not enough fresh air — usually used as (be) suffocating ▪ We were suffocating in the stuffy boardroom.
▪ Don't put that pillow over her face—she could suffocate. ▪ The poor dog could suffocate in the car on a hot day like this. — sometimes used figuratively ▪ I'm suffocating in this job. [=I can't express myself, act freely, etc., in this job]
b [+ obj] : to kill (someone) by making breathing impossible
▪ She was afraid that thick pillows and blankets could suffocate [=smother] the baby. ▪ The victims were found suffocated. — sometimes used figuratively ▪ Anger and resentment slowly suffocated their marriage. ▪ Critics say that the new tax will suffocate local businesses.
— suf·fo·ca·tion /ˌsʌfəˈkeɪʃən/ noun [noncount]
▪ The victims died of suffocation.
/ˌsʌfəˈkeɪʃən/ noun [noncount] ▪ The victims died of suffocation.
