🇬🇧🇪🇸 suffocate - sofocar : English Lesson

Meaning of "suffocate" ("sofocar"), detailed definition, and a short video lesson below.

To cause someone or something to be unable to breathe because there’s not enough air, or something is blocking their nose and mouth. It can also mean feeling like you can’t breathe properly because of too much heat, tight spaces, or even too many pillows piled on your face!

Watch and listen to this English flashcard to understand the word in more detail, with an easy example sentence.

I tried to hug my cat, but she acted like I was trying to suffocate her with love.

Mom says my gym bag smells like it’s trying to suffocate her every time she opens it.

I almost suffocated from embarrassment when my mom showed my baby photos to my friends.

Dad’s cologne was so strong, I thought I’d suffocate just walking past him.

I thought I’d suffocate in my winter coat because I couldn’t find the zipper to escape.

Smoke filled the small kitchen; the kitten under the towel began to suffocate. The child shouted, "Don't suffocate, don't suffocate!" and pulled the towel free. The kitten seemed to suffocate, coughed, tried again; the child held it up so it would not suffocate, blew air on its face, and finally the kitten opened its mouth and breathed. They wept.

This word is at the C2 level, which means it represents the highest mastery of English. It’s often used in specialized or highly formal contexts and helps you communicate with precision and subtlety, much like a native speaker.

Expanding your English vocabulary is one of the best ways to improve your pronunciation, spelling, and confidence in English. Watch the video above to memorize the word, understand its meaning, and see example sentences in action. Discover related words to grow your vocabulary naturally. Add words to your playlist for stress-free, effective learning—anytime, anywhere! Watch, learn, repeat.