EnglishMain Dictionary
smother
Universal Words
verb [VN]
1 ~ sb (with sth) to kill sb by covering their face so that they cannot breathe:
He smothered the baby with a pillow. * to be smothered to death
2 ~ sth/sb with / in sth to cover sth/sb thickly or with too much of sth:
a rich dessert smothered in cream * She smothered him with kisses.
3 to prevent sth from developing or being expressed
SYNSTIFLE:
to smother a yawn / giggle / grin * The voices of the opposition were effectively smothered.
4 to give sb too much love or protection so that they feel restricted:
Her husband was very loving, but she felt smothered.
5 to make a fire stop burning by covering it with sth:
He tried to smother the flames with a blanket.
