| smother | (v) deprive of oxygen and prevent from breathing, Syn. suffocate, asphyxiate, Example: Othello smothered Desdemona with a pillow; The child suffocated herself with a plastic bag that the parents had left on the floor |
| suffocate | (v) impair the respiration of or obstruct the air passage of, Syn. stifle, asphyxiate, choke, Example: The foul air was slowly suffocating the children |
| suffocate | (v) be asphyxiated; die from lack of oxygen, Syn. stifle, asphyxiate, Example: The child suffocated under the pillow |