suffocating

/ˈsʌfəkeɪtɪŋ/ (bre, ipa) · [sˈʌfəkˌetɪŋ] /ˈsʌfəkeɪtɪŋ/ (ame, ipa) · [sˈʌfəkˌetɪŋ] /ˈsə-fə-ˌkā-tiŋ How to pronounce suffocating (audio)/ (ame, mw)

suffocating — adjective

  • suffocatingpositive
  • more suffocatingcomparative
  • most suffocatingsuperlative

1. causing a feeling of not having enough air to breathe, especially because the ai

1.形容詞B2
釋義

causing a feeling of not having enough air to breathe, especially because the air is hot, thick, or still

例句

The small room was so suffocating that Kenji had to open all the windows.

suffocating + room (enclosed space)

Fatima pulled off her scarf in the suffocating heat of the afternoon sun.

suffocating + heat (common collocation)

同義詞
  • stifling

    nearly identical; slightly more common for heat, less common for lack of air

  • airless

    more neutral — describes the absence of moving air without the extreme discomfort

  • stuffy

    less intense and more informal; suggests stale, warm air in an enclosed room

反義詞
  • airy

    having plenty of fresh air moving through

  • breezy

    pleasantly windy; suggests outdoor freshness

文法句型

be + suffocating

suffocating + noun

用法筆記

Describes the air, room, or weather itself — not the person experiencing it. Compare 'I feel suffocated' (the person's feeling) vs. 'the room is suffocating' (the room's quality).

常見錯誤

❌I am suffocating in this small room.
✅I feel suffocated in this small room.
💡Use 'suffocated' (past participle as adjective) to describe a person's condition; use 'suffocating' to describe the environment or air.

2. limiting someone's freedom, creativity, or personal growth so strongly that it b

2.形容詞B2
釋義

limiting someone's freedom, creativity, or personal growth so strongly that it becomes difficult to bear

例句

Javier found the small town's atmosphere suffocating and longed to travel.

suffocating + atmosphere (figurative use)

The company's strict rules created a suffocating environment where no one dared to share new ideas.

suffocating + environment (figurative)

同義詞
  • stifling

    very close in meaning; stifling leans slightly more toward suppression of creative expression

  • oppressive

    stronger and more negative — suggests unfair or cruel control

  • restrictive

    more neutral and concrete; used for rules, policies, or physical limits

反義詞
  • liberating

    making someone feel free to act, think, or grow

  • freeing

    simpler and more direct; removing restrictions

文法句型

be + suffocating

suffocating + noun

用法筆記

Commonly modifies abstract nouns like atmosphere, environment, relationship, culture, and rules. Describes a situation that feels emotionally or creatively restrictive rather than physically airless.

常見錯誤

❌The contract has suffocating clauses.
✅The contract has restrictive clauses.
💡'Suffocating' describes how things feel, not a formal property; use 'restrictive' for technical or legal descriptions.