Entry 1 sense Webster, 1913 Suffocation /sŭfˌ-ək-āsh'-ən/ · Suf·fo·ca·tion · IPA /sˌʌfəkˈeɪʃən/ 01 n. The act of suffocating, or the state of being suffocated; death caused by smothering or choking. 1. The act of suffocating, or the state of being suffocated; death caused by smothering or choking.