Smother — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms
Meaning & Definition of Smother
Smother (verb)
- to kill by depriving of air
- to suppress (a fire) by excluding oxygen
- to overcome or discomfit through or as if through lack of air
Smother (noun)
- thick stifling smoke or smudge
- a state of being stifled or suppressed
- a dense cloud (as of fog or dust)
Word Forms of Smother
Inflections: smothered, smothering
Derived words: smothery (adjective)
Origin & Etymology of Smother
Middle English, alteration of smorther, from smoren to smother, from Old English smorian to suffocate; akin to Middle Dutch smoren to suffocate
First known use: circa 1520i
Frequently Asked Questions about Smother
What does "Smother" mean?
"Smother" means to kill by depriving of air. As an a verb and a noun, it is defined as: to kill by depriving of air. It has 6 distinct senses.
Is "Smother" a noun, verb, or adjective?
"Smother" can be used as a verb and a noun, depending on the context.
How do you pronounce "Smother"?
"Smother" is pronounced /ˈsmə-t͟hər/ and divided into syllables as smoth·er.
What is the origin of the word "Smother"?
"Smother" comes from Middle English, alteration of smorther, from smoren to smother, from Old English smorian to suffocate; akin to Middle Dutch smoren to suffocate. First known use: circa 1520i.
What does "Smother" mean as a verb?
As a verb, "Smother" means: to kill by depriving of air; to suppress (a fire) by excluding oxygen; to overcome or discomfit through or as if through lack of air.
What does "Smother" mean as a noun?
As a noun, "Smother" means: thick stifling smoke or smudge; a state of being stifled or suppressed; a dense cloud (as of fog or dust).
What are the forms of "Smother"?
The word forms of "Smother" include smothered and smothering.
What words are derived from "Smother"?
Words derived from "Smother" include smothery (adjective).