1. causing difficulty in breathing; lacking fresh air
2. oppressive or restrictive in a way that prevents freedom or development
Usage: figurative

1. present participle of suffocate; causing someone or something to have difficulty breathing or to die from lack of air

Examples

• The suffocating heat made it impossible to sleep.
• She felt trapped in the suffocating atmosphere of the small room.
• His suffocating control over her decisions drove them apart.
• The smoke was suffocating the firefighters.
• The suffocating humidity made everyone uncomfortable.
• She escaped her suffocating hometown for the big city.
• The plastic bag was suffocating the plant.