English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
adj

suffocating

SUH-fuh-kay-tihng
Quiz me More like this

Suffocating (adj) means So overwhelming, hot, or oppressive that it feels hard to breathe. Example: “The heat inside the tent was suffocating.”

adj
1
So overwhelming, hot, or oppressive that it feels hard to breathe.
"The heat inside the tent was suffocating."
"He described his marriage as suffocating."

How to use suffocating

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishExtremely oppressive or stifling, whether physically (heat, smoke) or emotionally (a relationship, pressure).

Common pairings
suffocating heat suffocating atmosphere
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like suffocating.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice

Word forms

Plural
suffocatings
Comparative
more suffocating
Superlative
most suffocating
Test yourself on “suffocating” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The heat inside the tent was _____.

suffocative smothering choking

Related words

Rhymes for suffocating

See all rhymes for suffocating →

Frequently asked questions

What does “suffocating” mean?
The word “suffocating” means so overwhelming, hot, or oppressive that it feels hard to breathe. In plain terms, extremely oppressive or stifling, whether physically (heat, smoke) or emotionally (a relationship, pressure).
How do you pronounce “suffocating”?
“Suffocating” is pronounced SUH-fuh-kay-tihng (/ˈsʌfəkeɪtɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “suffocating” in a sentence?
Here is “suffocating” used in a sentence: “The heat inside the tent was suffocating.”
What part of speech is “suffocating”?
“Suffocating” is an adjective.

People also searched