Smōth’er1, v. t.
(smŭth’er), v. t. [imp. & p. p. SMOTHERED; p. pr. & vb. n. SMOTHERING.] [Allied to smoor, smore, q. v.]
- To destroy the life of by suffocation; to deprive of the air necessary for life; to overwhelm so as to prevent breathing; as, to smother a child.
- To affect as by suffocation; to stifle; to deprive of air by a thick covering, as of ashes, of smoke, or the like; as, to smother a fire.
- Hence, to repress the action of; to cover from the view of the public; to suppress; as, with smothered displeasure.