Smoth"er (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Smothered (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Smothering.] [OE. smotheren; akin to E. smoor. See Smoor.]

1.

To destroy the life of by suffocation; to deprive of the air necessary for life; to cover up closely so as to prevent breathing; to suffocate; as, to smother a child.

2.

To affect as by suffocation; to stife; to deprive of air by a thick covering, as of ashes, of smoke, or the like; as, to smother a fire.

3.

Hence, to repress the action of; to cover from public view; to suppress; to conceal; as, to smother one's displeasure.

 

© Webster 1913


Smoth"er, v. i.

1.

To be suffocated or stifled.

2.

To burn slowly, without sufficient air; to smolder.

 

© Webster 1913


Smoth"er, n. [OE. smorther. See Smother, v. t.]

1.

Stifling smoke; thick dust. Shak.

2.

A state of suppression. [Obs.]

Not to keep their suspicions in smother.
Bacon.

Smother fly (Zoöl.), an aphid.

 

© Webster 1913


Smoth"er (?), n.

That which smothers or causes a sensation of smothering, as smoke, fog, the foam of the sea, a confused multitude of things.

Then they vanished, swallowed up in the grayness of the evening and the smoke and smother of the storm.
The Century.

 

© Webster 1913