smother
8 synonyms and 6 antonyms for smother, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To cover something so completely that it cannot get air, cutting off its breathing or, for a fire, its oxygen.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
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.”
Opposites
How to use smother
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
smother a fire
smother a laugh
smother with love
Etymology
From Middle English smorther, related to Old English smorian ("to suffocate, choke"), from a Proto-Germanic root also linked to "smoke."
Full origin of smother →Frequently asked questions
What does “smother” mean?
The word “smother” means to cover something so completely that it cannot get air, cutting off its breathing or, for a fire, its oxygen. In plain terms, to block something from breathing or developing by covering or overwhelming it — used for fires, feelings, and even too much affection.
How do you pronounce “smother”?
“Smother” is pronounced SMUH-thuh (/ˈsməðər/ in IPA).
How do you use “smother” in a sentence?
Here is “smother” used in a sentence: “She smothered the campfire with sand before leaving.”
What part of speech is “smother”?
“Smother” is a verb.
Where does the word “smother” come from?
The word “smother” comes from Old English. From Middle English smorther, related to Old English smorian ("to suffocate, choke"), from a Proto-Germanic root also linked to "smoke.".
How many meanings does “smother” have?
“Smother” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to cover something so completely that it cannot get air, cutting off its breathing or, for a fire, its oxygen.
