smother

smoth|er [ˈsmʌðə US -ər] v [T]

[Date: 1100-1200; Origin: smother 'thick smoke' (12-19 centuries), from Old English smorian 'to suffocate']

1.) to completely cover the whole surface of something with something else, often in a way that seems unnecessary or unpleasant

smother sth with/in sth

▪ noodles smothered in garlic sauce

2.) to kill someone by putting something over their face to stop them breathing

→↑suffocate

▪ A teenage mother was accused of smothering her 3-month-old daughter.

3.) to stop yourself from showing your feelings or from doing an action

= ↑stifle

▪ The girls tried to smother their giggles.

4.) to give someone so much love and attention that they feel as if they are not free and become unhappy

▪ I don't want him to feel smothered.

5.) smother sb with kisses

to kiss someone a lot

6.) to make a fire stop burning by preventing air from reaching it

▪ We used a wet towel to smother the fire.

7.) to get rid of anyone who opposes you - used to show disapproval

▪ They ruthlessly smother all opposition.