suffocation

transitive verb suffocated, suffocating

1. to kill by cutting off the supply of oxygen to the lungs, gills, etc.
2. to hinder the free breathing of; deprive of fresh air; stifle; choke
3. to smother, suppress, extinguish, etc. by or as by cutting off the supply of air

intransitive verb

1. to die by being suffocated
2. to be unable to breathe freely; choke; stifle; smother
3. to be unable to develop properly as because of a repressive or dulling environment