verb

smother

SMUH-thuh

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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.”

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."

"The pillow nearly smothered him in his sleep."

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."

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 notes

In 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

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: smothers
Third person singular: smothers
Past tense: smothered

Test yourself on “smother” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

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."

Origin: Old English

Synonyms

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surround stifle repress strangle suffocate muffle put out asphyxiate

Antonyms

ventilate fan rekindle foster nurture enliven

Related words

further reach fan feed parent bother rear foster

Rhymes for smother

other mother bother nother brother another smoother godmother grandmother stepbrother

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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.

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