Category:Smother

Smoth"er, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Smothered; p. pr. & vb. n. Smothering.] Etym: [oe. smotheren; akin to e. smoor. See smoor.]

1. To destroy the life of by suffocation; to deprive of the air Necessary for life; to cover up closely so as to prevent breathing; To suffocate; as, to smother a child.

2. To affect as by suffocation; to stife; to deprive of air by a Thick covering, as of ashes, of smoke, or the like; as, to smother a Fire.

3. Hence, to repress the action of; to cover from public view; to Suppress; to conceal; as, to smother one's displeasure.

Smother Smoth"er, v. i.

1. To be suffocated or stifled.

2. To burn slowly, without sufficient air; to smolder.

Smother Smoth"er, n. Etym: [oe. smorther. See smother, v. t.]

1. Stifling smoke; thick dust. Shak.

2. A state of suppression. [obs.] Not to keep their suspicions in smother. Bacon. Smother fly (zoöl.), an aphid.