suffocate
verb (used with object)
to kill by preventing the access of air to the blood through the lungs or analogous organs, as gills; strangle.
have suffocated
-
present perfectof suffocate.present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
When the man was determined to have suffocated from gas and his body pulled out by a rope, Bonnag decided "no, I can't continue like this".
From Barron's ● Jan. 15, 2026
They are suspected to have suffocated from carbon monoxide emissions but police say investigations are ongoing.
From BBC ● May 22, 2024
Bradford's biological daughter asked if Jayden could have suffocated.
From Salon ● Nov. 22, 2022
Wildfires on the West Coast have suffocated much of the Pacific Northwest with unhealthy air conditions that brought into question whether the games would even be played.
From Washington Times ● Sep. 14, 2020
"Is this some sort of prank? I could have suffocated in there!"
From "City of the Plague God" by Sarwat Chadda
