How to Pronounce Suffocating

To pronounce "suffocating", say SUFF-oc-at-ing — 4 syllables. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

suffocating

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Accent

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4

Syllables

11

Letters

SUFF-oc-at-ing

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💡 Tip for remembering “suffocating”

"suffocating" has 4 syllables: suff-oc-at-ing. It rhymes with titillating and captivating, if that helps it stick.

What does suffocating mean?

verb

  1. To suffer, or cause someone to suffer, from severely reduced oxygen intake to the body.

    “Open the hatch, he is suffocating in the airlock!”

  2. To die due to, or kill someone by means of, insufficient oxygen supply to the body.

    “He suffocated his wife by holding a pillow over her head.”

noun

  1. Suffocation

Synonyms

drownchokestifleasphyxiatesmother

Hear “suffocating” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with suffocating

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

titillatingcaptivatinggratingdeprecatinginvigoratingexcruciatingexhilaratingfascinatingexasperatingstimulatingdebilitatingfluctuating

Related words

smotheringchokingbreathlessasphyxiationnippingstiflingstuffycrippling

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "suffocating"?▾

"Suffocating" has 4 syllables: suff · oc · at · ing.

What does "suffocating" mean?▾

Suffocating: To suffer, or cause someone to suffer, from severely reduced oxygen intake to the body.

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