To prevent someone from breathing by cutting off air; to die or feel like dying from lack of oxygen; to feel trapped or unable to express oneself.
From Latin 'suffocare' ('sub-' meaning under, 'fauces' meaning throat), originally describing physical choking or smothering.
The word 'suffocate' is fascinating because it works both physically and emotionally—you can literally suffocate from lack of air, but you can also 'suffocate' emotionally in an oppressive relationship or culture, showing how our bodies and feelings use the same language.
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