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.
was suffocating
-
past progressiveof suffocate.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
The thick canopy blocked out the light, and the humidity was suffocating.
From National Geographic ● Jan. 23, 2024
After a series of relentless summer heat waves, her A/C sputtered out and she felt at times as though she was suffocating inside the vehicle, soaked in sweat.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 3, 2023
“The power went out to the subway and a lot of smoke began to come out that was suffocating us. We could not breathe well,” he said.
From Seattle Times ● Jan. 7, 2023
Security in Multan was suffocating for all travellers - players, media and fans.
From BBC ● Dec. 16, 2022
Yedsha’s hug was suffocating, and when he released Anya, she gasped for air.
From Anya and the Dragon by Sofiya Pasternack
