suffocation
nounUK /ˌsʌfəˈkeɪʃən/
US /ˌsʌfəˈkeɪʃən/
Suffocation is when someone cannot breathe because there is no air.
The thick smoke caused suffocation in the small room.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The feeling of being unable to breathe comfortably because of heat or a stuffy space.
The suffocation of the crowded bus made her dizzy.
3. A feeling of being trapped or overwhelmed, as if you cannot breathe freely.
He felt a sense of suffocation in the tiny, windowless office.
4. The act of stopping something from growing or developing freely.
The new rules led to the suffocation of small businesses.