smothering Definition

smother
verb smothered, smothering

tr & intr
1. To kill with or die from lack of air, especially with an obstruction over the mouth and nose; to suffocate.

Thesaurus: suffocate, stifle, strangle, choke, asphyxiate.
2. To extinguish (a fire) by cutting off the air supply, eg by throwing a blanket over it.
3. To cover or smear something with a thick layer.

Example: She loved her bread smothered with jam
Example: smothered him with kisses
4. To give an oppressive or stifling amount to someone.

Example: She smothered the children with love
5. To suppress or contain.

Example: She managed to smother her laughter
Example: smother a rumour
Thesaurus: suppress, muffle, repress, extinguish.

noun

1. Thick floating dust.
2. Dense smoke.
3. A welter or turmoil.

Derivative: smothered
adj

Derivative: smotherer
noun

Derivative: smothering
adj

Derivative: smotheringly
adverb

Etymology: 12c: as smorther, related to Anglo-Saxon smorian.