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suffocate

[suhf-uh-keyt] / ˈsʌf əˌkeɪt /


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Mali imported Russia’s Wagner mercenaries in 2022, in a failed attempt to swiftly suffocate the local Islamist insurgency that has since emerged as al Qaeda’s most successful and resilient offshoot.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026

“Take advantage of the time you have ahead of you to understand risk better. Don’t suffocate your portfolio” by allocating too much for income-based investments.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 26, 2026

Their breath was believed to poison the air and suffocate the land, especially in swampy regions where disease was common.

From Science Daily • Feb. 2, 2026

Since babies are less likely to suffocate on firm mattresses and without loose bedding, Little replaced her pillow-top mattress and got rid of all of her blankets and extra pillows.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 18, 2025

Again the breath wafted toward Ignatius, who pressed the scarf to his nose so tightly that he felt he would suffocate.

From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole




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