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.
is suffocating
-
present progressiveof suffocate (3rd person singular).present progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or state that is currently taking place in the immediate 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.
Yet, by our own doing, Washington is suffocating in the consequences of our own inaction.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 24, 2026
And it has been unable to stem the fuel shortage that is suffocating the country, including the capital Bamako.
From Barron's ● Nov. 21, 2025
The Eagles’ defense is suffocating and looks like a classic Vic Fangio unit across all three levels.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 20, 2025
"The emptiness without her beside me is suffocating."
From BBC ● May 31, 2024
He passes the ball to number twenty-nine on the right wing and tries to dribble out, but the defense is suffocating.
From "The Crossover" by Kwame Alexander
