[suf.fo.cate] vb -cat.ed ; -cat.ing [ME, fr. L suffocatus, pp. of suffocare to choke, stifle, fr. sub- + fauces throat] vt (15c) 1 a: to stop the respiration of (as by strangling or asphyxiation) b: to deprive of oxygen c: to make uncomfortable by want of cool fresh air
2: to impede or stop the development of ~ vi 1: to become suffocated: a: to die from being unable to breathe b: to be uncomfortable through lack of air
2: to become checked in development -- suf.fo.cat.ing.ly adv -- suf.fo.ca.tion n -- suf.fo.ca.tive adj