Webster's English Dictionary

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suffocate

suf.fo.cate \'s*f-*-.ka-t\ \-.ka-t-in-le-\ \.s*f-*-'ka--sh*n\ 
   \'s*f-*-.ka-t-iv\ vb [L suffocatus, pp. of suffocare to choke, stifle, fr. 
   sub- +]fauces throat 1a: to stop the respiration of (as by strangling or 
   asphyxiation)  1b: to deprive of oxygen  2a: to make uncomfortable by want 
   of cool fresh air  2b: to impede or stop the development of  : to become 
   suffocated :  : to die from being unable to breathe  : to be uncomfortable 
   through lack of air  : to become checked in development  - 
   suf.fo.cat.ing.ly av