smothering

smoth·er

S s

Transcription

- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- UK Pronunciation
- UK IPA
- [smuhth -er]
- /ˈsmʌð ər/
- /ˈsmʌð.ər/

- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- [smuhth -er]
- /ˈsmʌð ər/

Definitions of smothering word

verb with object smothering to stifle or suffocate, as by smoke or other means of preventing free breathing. 1
verb with object smothering to extinguish or deaden (fire, coals, etc.) by covering so as to exclude air. 1
verb with object smothering to cover closely or thickly; envelop: to smother a steak with mushrooms. 1
verb with object smothering to suppress or repress: to smother feelings. 1
verb with object smothering Cookery. to steam (food) slowly in a heavy, tightly closed vessel with a minimum of liquid: smothered chicken and onions. 1
verb without object smothering to become stifled or suffocated; be prevented from breathing. 1

See all 11 definitions of smothering

Information block about the term

Origin of smothering

First appearance:

before 1125

One of the 6% oldest English words

1125-75; (noun) Middle English smorther dense smoke; akin to Old English smorian to suffocate; (v.) Middle English smo(r)theren, derivative of the noun

Historical Comparancy

Parts of speech for Smothering

noun

adjective

verb

adverb

pronoun

preposition

conjunction

determiner

exclamation

Full grammatical hierarchy of Smothering

smothering popularity

A common word. It’s meaning is known to most children of preschool age. About 88% of English native speakers know the meaning and use the word.

This word is included in each student's vocabulary. Most likely there is at least one movie with this word in the title.

smothering usage trend in Literature

This diagram is provided by Google Ngram Viewer

Synonyms for smothering

adj smothering

hermetically sealed — airtight

noun smothering

asphyxiation — Asphyxiation is a lack of oxygen in blood, which causes suffocation.

adjective smothering

watertight — constructed or fitted so tightly as to be impervious to water: The ship had six watertight compartments.

All 3 Synonyms of smothering