1. past tense of suffocate: to die or cause to die from lack of air or inability to breathe
2. past tense of suffocate: to feel unable to breathe comfortably due to heat, lack of fresh air, or confinement
3. past tense of suffocate: to prevent the development or expression of something
Usage: figurative

Examples

• The victim suffocated from smoke inhalation during the fire.
• She suffocated under the heavy blankets on the hot summer night.
• The plants suffocated under the thick layer of mulch.
• He felt suffocated by his parents’ constant supervision.
• The small room suffocated everyone at the crowded party.
• Her creativity was suffocated by the rigid corporate environment.
• The pillow accidentally suffocated the small animal.