Need another word for Suffocating? Use these synonyms of Suffocating from our thesaurus to say it differently.
Synonyms & Similar Words
stifling
choking
smothering
suffusing
overwhelming
crushing
oppressive
claustrophobic
strangling
constricting
binding
restrictive
limiting
debilitating
paralyzing
incapacitating
disabling
weakening
enfeebling
exhausting
draining
sapping
debilitating
overpowering
overwhelming
burdensome
weighty
heavy
crushing
smothering
asphyxiating
strangling
Meaning of Suffocating
The primary meaning of the word "Suffocating" is to feel or cause someone to feel unable to breathe or to feel extremely uncomfortable or anxious.
Definitions
- Causing or feeling unable to breathe, typically because of obstruction of the airways or other respiratory problems
- * Feeling extremely uncomfortable or anxious, typically because of a difficult or oppressive situation
- * To suppress or overwhelm someone or something, such as a feeling, a thought, or an activity
Etymology of Suffocating
The word "Suffocating" comes from the Latin words "suffocare," meaning "to choke" or "to strangle," and the suffix "-ating," which forms a present participle
Historically, the word has been used to describe both physical and metaphorical forms of suffocation, including the obstruction of airways and the suppression of emotions or ideas
Example Uses
- The smoke in the room was suffocating, making it hard to breathe
- * The suffocating heat of the summer made it difficult to sleep
- * The suffocating rules and regulations made it hard for the business to operate effectively
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
liberating
freeing
releasing
relaxing
calming
soothing
comforting
alleviating
mitigating
relieving
unburdening
lightening
easing
gentle
mild
moderate
bearable
tolerable
manageable
survivable
endurable