verb
smother
SMUH-thuh
verb
1
To cover something so completely that it cannot get air, cutting off its breathing or, for a fire, its oxygen.
"She smothered the campfire with sand before leaving."
"The pillow nearly smothered him in his sleep."
2
To suppress or hold back a feeling, reaction, or activity almost completely.
"He smothered a laugh during the funeral."
"The government smothered any public criticism of the project."
3
To cover something thickly, especially food, with a sauce, topping, or affection.
"She smothered the pancakes in syrup."
"The new puppy was smothered with attention all weekend."
How to Use Smother
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo block something from breathing or developing by covering or overwhelming it — used for fires, feelings, and even too much affection.
Common mistake
Often used loosely for "give too much attention to" (smother a child with love), not just the literal suffocation sense.
Common pairings
smother a fire
smother a laugh
smother with love
Word Forms
smothered past tense, smothers plural, smothers singular
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She _____ the campfire with sand before leaving.
Etymology
From Middle English smorther, related to Old English smorian ("to suffocate, choke"), from a Proto-Germanic root also linked to "smoke."