smother out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "smother out" is not commonly used in written English and may not be considered correct.
It can be interpreted as an attempt to convey the idea of extinguishing or suppressing something, but it is not a standard expression. Example: "The firefighters worked tirelessly to smother out the flames that engulfed the building."

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

All of the former service members involved with the company know that small businesses are an essential part of the American economy, and they aren't ready to see it be smothered out by the big name brands.

Huffington Post

If a fire starts to catch and cannot be smothered out, quickly soak it with the water.

WikiHow

Buyers who want their cars to waft along, smothering out the road's irregularities and keeping quiet about it.

The New York Times

Mr de Kock had had him beaten with a snooker cue and smothered out of "pure rage".There are no apartheid politicians from the 1980s in jail.

The Economist

It rides as if the tires aren't just smothering out the road's divots, but giving each of them a somber, dignified burial.

The New York Times

The sulfur rising from the ocean, smothering out the oxygen?

Huffington Post

@ImYourKid.

Vice

Always alert to language, Kilgallen began compiling ominous word lists: "smother," "black out," "keep dark," "far away," "underground," "underneath".

The New Yorker

New York's natural areas continue to "survive and thrive" despite the city's "best efforts to smother them out," says Anzelone.

Huffington Post

Trying to benevolently smother thought out of politics may actually have laid the groundwork for less scrupulous attempts by partisans to end-run democracy by gaming our lizard brains.

Vice

As it turns out, people don't submit to vacuous moralizing just because their boss keeps telling them 'you are are better than this.' Trying to benevolently smother thought out of politics may actually have laid the groundwork for less scrupulous attempts by partisans to end-run democracy by gaming our lizard brains".

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "smother out", consider if a more common verb like "extinguish", "suppress", or "stifle" might be clearer and more effective for your audience. Be mindful of the context and whether the slightly informal tone of "smother out" is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "smother out" in academic papers or formal reports. Opt for more precise and professional vocabulary such as "suppress", "eliminate", or "extinguish" to maintain a formal tone and enhance clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "smother out" primarily functions as a verb expressing an action of suppression or extinguishment. It describes the act of completely covering or enveloping something to prevent it from continuing or becoming known. As seen in the Ludwig examples, it is often used in contexts involving fire or competition.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "smother out" is a phrasal verb indicating the act of completely suppressing or extinguishing something. While grammatically acceptable, as indicated by Ludwig AI, it's less common and more informal than alternatives like "extinguish" or "suppress". It's primarily found in news media and informal contexts. Writers should consider their audience and the desired tone when deciding whether to use "smother out", opting for more formal vocabulary in academic or professional settings. As always, prioritize clarity and appropriateness in word choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extinguish

Focuses on the act of putting something out, like a fire or a light.

suppress

Implies holding something back or preventing it from being expressed or known.

stifle

Indicates restraining or suppressing something, often an emotion or impulse.

snuff out

Implies ending something abruptly and completely, like a life or a hope.

quench

Suggests satisfying a thirst or desire, or extinguishing a fire.

stamp out

Suggests forcefully suppressing or eliminating something, like a problem or a disease.

cover up

Emphasizes concealing something, often a mistake or wrongdoing.

douse

Means to pour liquid over something or extinguish a fire with liquid.

put down

Can mean to suppress a rebellion or to criticize someone.

keep under wraps

Highlights the act of keeping something secret or concealed.

FAQs

What does "smother out" mean?

"Smother out" means to extinguish, suppress, or conceal something completely. It suggests covering something to prevent it from continuing or being known.

What can I say instead of "smother out"?

You can use alternatives like "extinguish", "suppress", "stifle", or "cover up" depending on the context.

Is "smother out" grammatically correct?

While "smother out" is understandable, it is less formal than many alternatives. Ludwig AI highlights that it is not a standard expression. Consider the audience and purpose of your writing when deciding whether to use it.

How can I use "smother out" in a sentence?

You might say, "The team tried to smother out the opposition's attack" or "The government attempted to smother out the protests". However, consider if a stronger verb would be more appropriate.