suffocat

v. i. To become choked, stifled, or smothered. “A swelling discontent is apt to suffocate and strangle without passage.” collier. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Suffocated p. pr. & vb. n. Suffocating. ] 1. To choke or kill by stopping respiration; to stifle; to smother. [ 1913 Webster ]

Let not hemp his windpipe suffocate. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To destroy; to extinguish; as, to suffocate fire. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. & n. from Suffocate, v. -- Suf"fo*ca`ting*ly, adv. [1913 Webster]

n. [ L. suffocatio: cf. F. suffocation. ] The act of suffocating, or the state of being suffocated; death caused by smothering or choking. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ The term suffocation is sometimes employed synonymously with asphyxia. In the strict medico-legal sense it signifies asphyxia induced by obstruction of the respiration otherwise than by direct pressure on the neck (hanging, strangulation) or submersion (drowning). Quain. [ 1913 Webster ]