suffocate
UK: ˈsʌfəkeɪt | US: ˈsʌfəkeɪt
vt. to cause someone to die by preventing them from breathing
vi. to die or feel extreme discomfort from lack of air
vt. to suppress or stifle something (e.g., a protest, creativity)
suffocate = suf<under> + foc<fire/throat> + ate<verb suffix>
- suf (variant of "sub," meaning "under")
- foc (from Latin fauces, meaning "throat" or "gullet," later associated with "fire" via metaphorical extension)
- ate (verb-forming suffix indicating action)
Etymology Origin:
The word "suffocate" traces back to Latin suffocare, combining sub- ("under") and fauces ("throat"). Originally, it described the physical act of choking or strangling (literally "pressing under the throat"). Over time, the meaning expanded metaphorically to include suppression or smothering, reflecting the imagery of extinguishing fire (linked to foc as "hearth" in Late Latin).
The thick smoke made it hard to breathe, and she feared she would suffocate.
Parents should ensure cribs are free of loose bedding to prevent infants from suffocating.
The regime tried to suffocate dissent by censoring the media.
Without proper ventilation, the trapped miners could suffocate.
He felt suffocated by the strict rules of his upbringing.