suffocate

Everyday

1. To suffocate is to be unable to breathe because there is not enough air, which can make a person or animal very ill or die. tree →
2. To suffocate someone or something is to stop it getting air. tree →
3. To feel suffocated is to feel trapped or held back, or very hot and stuffy. tree →

In the lessons

Very important in safety lessons: plastic bags are not toys, because they can cover the nose and mouth and suffocate a child; never shut anyone or a pet in a box, fridge or car. In science, fire needs oxygen, so a fire blanket suffocates flames. Phrases: «suffocating heat».

Examples

• Plastic bags can suffocate small children, so never play with them. tree →
• A fire blanket suffocates the flames by keeping air out. tree →
• Never leave a dog in a hot car; it could suffocate. tree →
• The heat in the tent was suffocating. tree →
• Weeds can suffocate the young plants. tree →
• Keep pillows and soft toys out of a baby's cot so it can't suffocate. tree →
• He felt suffocated in the crowded room. tree →
• Their feet, however, became so smeared with the honey that they could not use their wings, nor release themselves, and were suffocated. tree →

Note

Regular verb: drop the e: «suffocated», «suffocating». Spelling: double f. Fires need oxygen, so cutting off air puts them out. If someone cannot breathe, call emergency services at once.