Suffocate

To suffocate means to deprive of oxygen, thereby causing death or severe distress. This can happen through various means: obstruction of the airways, environmental oxygen depletion, or interference with the body's ability to utilize oxygen. The process often involves a feeling of intense pressure on the chest or throat, followed by gasping, loss of consciousness, and ultimately, death if not swiftly reversed. Figuratively, the word can also describe being overwhelmed or suppressed by something, preventing growth or expression, like suffocating under immense pressure or a suffocating amount of work. The term highlights the vital importance of air and the detrimental consequences of its absence, whether literal or metaphorical.

Suffocate meaning with examples

• The diver panicked when his oxygen tank malfunctioned, and he began to suffocate in the depths of the ocean. The lack of air, the pressure, and the cold water combined, creating an extremely frightening and life-threatening situation. Emergency services immediately rushed to his aid, but the effects of the lack of oxygen made the rescue extremely difficult, but thankfully they reached him in time to save his life.
• The wildfire released thick plumes of smoke, causing residents to suffocate in their homes. The smoke, containing carbon monoxide and particulate matter, drastically reduced the breathable air. Authorities issued immediate evacuation orders to try to get everyone away from the danger. Air filtration systems, while helpful, were not enough to resolve the lack of oxygen and dangerous pollutants.
• Under the relentless demands of his overbearing boss, the employee felt like he was beginning to suffocate. The constant scrutiny and micromanagement stifled his creativity and drained his energy. He began to question the long-term sustainability of his role in the company, feeling as though his professional ambitions were being smothered in the pressure.
• The artist felt creatively suffocated by the conservative art scene's restrictions. The expectations and norms of galleries and museums were preventing her from pursuing her most innovative ideas. She was stifled by the rules, lacking inspiration as her creative expression seemed to be completely controlled by what was acceptable. This lack of freedom led her to rethink where her art could be expressed and received.