To deprive someone of oxygen or air, causing them to choke or die, or metaphorically, to cause someone to feel oppressed or unable to breathe.
From Latin 'suffocare' (to choke), composed of 'sub-' (under) plus 'fauces' (throat). Medieval physicians used the term literally for blocking the throat, and it evolved to include any deprivation of air.
Suffocation appears in both literal and emotional contexts in literature—characters 'suffocate' under strict parents, oppressive laws, or crowded cities using the same word as dying from lack of oxygen, which shows how deeply we experience emotional restriction as a physical sensation.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.