smothering

USAGE SUMMARY

"smothering" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it as an adjective to describe something that covers or envelops something else, so that it is difficult to breathe or to escape. For example, "The smothering heat of the desert was unbearable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Denying the comic power of this cover would be another way to censor it, smothering the joke with anxieties.

The Guardian - Opinion

This was dressed up in the language of the "EU nanny state" smothering the entrepreneurial spirit of British business – a sentiment also expressed by one of the Sun's most notorious headlines, "Up yours Delors" on 1 November 1990.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The fire was coming out of it, smothering us".

The Guardian

In financial regulation, for instance, this might mean making sure bankers have incentives to act prudently rather than smothering them with examiners to make sure they behave.Beyond matching role to capacity, the Bank believes that governments need to make more of an effort to improve their own capability.

The Economist

Despite this benefit, the joint-venture factory in California has shown that GM's fundamental weaknesses remain.Saturn is to be run as a separate company within GM, free of the smothering embrace of Detroit.

The Economist

Japanese governments have long used the petrol levy and other tax revenues to splash out on road-building, in a form of patronage politics that has helped the ruling Liberal Democratic Party LDPP) to hold on to power while smothering a once gorgeous country in concrete.

The Economist

During its four years in government the BJP has been deferential to fellow members of the National Democratic Alliance, smothering its ideology of Hindutva ("Hinduness") lest they walk out of the government.

The Economist

The government has been smothering potential sources of independent opposition, such as foreign and local NGOs.

The Economist

And far more Britons are poor, on this definition, than in 1979: then, only 9% of households and 10% of children lived on less than half average incomes.In this section Good neighbours Smothering the euro debate New treatment needed Labour's crusade Archer's aim Kennedy Democrats Second thoughts A hundred years of failure?

The Economist

Sediment from forestry sluices into coastal waters, smothering coral.

The Economist

But whereas Barcelona built its Olympic village in a derelict part of its port, in Rio it will be sited, along with many events, in Barra da Tijuca, a nouveau-riche neighbourhood at the wealthiest end of the city.During the Pan American games, police and army troops flooded the streets, smothering crime.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "smothering" to vividly describe situations where something is being oppressed, concealed, or completely covered, creating a strong sense of being overwhelmed or suffocated. For example, "The government was accused of "smothering" dissent."

Common error

While "smothering" is a powerful word, its strong negative connotation can make it inappropriate for describing simple acts of covering or protection. Opt for more neutral terms like "covering" or "enveloping" when the intention isn't to convey oppression or suffocation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "smothering" is a present participle, often used as an adjective or part of a continuous verb form. It describes the act of suffocating, suppressing, or covering something completely. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "smothering" is a versatile term functioning as a present participle, used both adjectivally and verbally to depict the act of suffocating or suppressing. While grammatically sound according to Ludwig AI, its negative connotations should be carefully considered. As seen in many examples from credible news publications like The Guardian and The Economist, this term vividly describes scenarios of intense coverage or oppression. Remember to use it to express strong negative impact. Be wary of overuse in casual contexts, opting for more neutral synonyms like "covering" or "enveloping" when a milder tone is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suffocating

This alternative emphasizes the lack of air or opportunity, similar to "smothering" but more focused on the feeling of being unable to breathe.

stifling

Similar to "smothering", but highlights the act of suppressing or holding back something, like creativity or dissent.

suppressing

Focuses on the act of actively preventing something from developing or being expressed.

overwhelming

Highlights the feeling of being overpowered or inundated, rather than the physical act of covering.

enveloping

Describes something that surrounds or covers completely, often with a sense of comfort or protection.

blanketing

Implies a widespread covering, like snow on a field.

burying

Suggests covering something to the point of concealing it completely.

concealing

Emphasizes the act of hiding or keeping something secret.

inhibiting

Focuses on the act of restricting or preventing something from happening.

dampening

Suggests reducing the intensity or enthusiasm of something.

FAQs

How can I use "smothering" in a sentence?

You can use "smothering" to describe something that is being suppressed or overwhelmed. For example, "The new regulations are "smothering" innovation." It can also describe something physically covering something else, such as "The thick fog was "smothering" the city".

What words are similar to "smothering"?

Synonyms for "smothering" include "suffocating", "stifling", and "suppressing". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "smothering" instead of "covering"?

"Smothering" implies a sense of oppression or suffocation, while "covering" is a more neutral term. Use "smothering" when you want to convey a negative or restrictive impact. Use "covering" when your intention is neutral.

Is "smothering" always negative?

While "smothering" often carries a negative connotation, it can also be used to describe intense care or affection, though this usage is less common and can be perceived as overbearing. Consider the potential implications carefully before using "smothering" in a positive context.