smothering

[/ˈsmʌðərɪŋ/]

verb (gerund/present participle), adjective, noun

abafamento, asfixia, sufocação

1. (verb) to kill or suffocate by preventing access to air; to suppress or extinguish

The firefighters were smothering the flames with foam.

Os bombeiros estavam abafando as chamas com espuma.

2. (verb) to cover thickly or completely; to overwhelm

She was smothering the steak in garlic sauce.

Ela estava cobrindo o bife com molho de alho.

3. (adjective) characterized by excessive attention or affection that is oppressive

Her smothering mother never let her make her own decisions.

Sua mãe sufocante nunca a deixava tomar suas próprias decisões.

4. (noun) the act of suffocating or suppressing

The smothering of free speech is a dangerous practice.

O abafamento da liberdade de expressão é uma prática perigosa.

NYC Slang

suffocating (in the sense of overbearing behavior or conditions)

Synonyms

Antonyms

Regional Variations

General Brazilian

abafador, sufocante, asfixiante

Common usage for both literal suffocation and figurative oppressiveness

São Paulo

abafador, sufocante

Standard usage consistent with general Brazilian Portuguese

Rio de Janeiro

sufocador, abafante

Regional variation with slightly different emphasis

Portugal

sufocante, abafador, asfixiante

European Portuguese maintains similar terminology with possible preference for 'sufocante'

smothering someone with love/affection

smothering the competition

smothering a rebellion

smothering someone in kisses

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