CEFR B2

suffocating

verb

Meaning

Die or suffer from a lack of oxygen due to an obstructed airway or an atmosphere lacking breathable air.

Examples

The tight scarf around his neck made him feel like he was starting to suffocate.
Many victims of the building fire suffocated before they could reach the emergency exit.

Synonyms: choke, smother, asphyxiate, stifle

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suffocating (B2)

verb

Pronunciation: /ˈsʌfəkeɪt/

Definition

Die or suffer from a lack of oxygen due to an obstructed airway or an atmosphere lacking breathable air.

Examples

The tight scarf around his neck made him feel like he was starting to suffocate.
Many victims of the building fire suffocated before they could reach the emergency exit.
The thick plastic bag posed a serious risk of suffocating the toddler if left within reach.

How to Use suffocating

suffocate from (prepositional phrase): To die due to a specific cause of oxygen loss. — "The trapped miners risked suffocating from the lack of ventilation."
suffocate someone (collocation): To cause someone to die by blocking their air. — "The murderer attempted to suffocate the victim with a pillow."

Synonyms of suffocating

Words with a similar meaning to suffocating:

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