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Smothering - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Smothering means covering or suffocating someone or something completely, often leading to discomfort or lack of air. It can also describe overwhelming attention that feels restrictive.

smothering

/ˈsmʌðərɪŋ/ /ˈsmʌðərɪŋ/

Definition:

To suffocate or overwhelm someone or something, often by covering or restricting.

Synonyms:

suffocating, stifling, choking, suppressing

Part of Speech:

verb, adjective

Antonyms:

freeing, liberating

Common Collocations:

smothering heat, smothering love, smothering blanket

Derivatives:

smothered, smotherer

Usage Tips:

Use "smothering" to describe overwhelming pressure or excessive attention that feels restrictive.

Common Phrases:

smothering with kindness, smothering the flames, smothering a yawn

Etymology:

From Old English "smorian," meaning to suffocate or stifle; related to Dutch "smoren."

Examples:

  • 1. The baby cried when the blanket started smothering her face.
  • 2. His overprotective parents were smothering his independence.
  • 3. She felt trapped in the smothering heat of the small room.
  • 4. He tried smothering the fire with a wet towel.

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