smother
Smother (verb) means to cover something so completely that it cannot get air, cutting off its breathing or, for a fire, its oxygen. Example: “She smothered the campfire with sand before leaving.”
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.
Often used loosely for "give too much attention to" (smother a child with love), not just the literal suffocation sense.
Word forms
smothered past tense, smothers plural, smothers singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
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."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for smother
See all rhymes for 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.