How to pronounce suffocation
Say it like suhf-uh-KAY-shun. Suffocation has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (KAY).
- suhf
- uh
- KAY
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Suffocation pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- suhfGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- KAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- shunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of suffocation
American and British speakers say suffocation in essentially the same way: /ˌsʌfəˈkeɪʃən/ in the US and /ˌsʌfəˈkeɪʃən/ in the UK.
British respelling: suhf-uh-KAY-shun.
What does suffocation mean?
- Asphyxia, a condition in which an extreme decrease in the concentration of oxygen in the body accompanied by an increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide leads to loss of consciousness or death.“A child left unattended may die of suffocation.”
- A particular act of death or killing by means of asphyxia.“The coroner reported three suffocations last week.”
Where does suffocation come from?
Inherited from Middle English suffocation, suffocacioun, from Middle French suffocation, from Latin suffocatio.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with suffocation
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of suffocation.
Questions about saying suffocation
How do you pronounce suffocation?
Say suhf-uh-KAY-shun. The American pronunciation is /ˌsʌfəˈkeɪʃən/. In British English it is /ˌsʌfəˈkeɪʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in suffocation?
Suffocation has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (KAY). Broken into parts: suhf · uh · KAY · shun.
Do Americans and Brits say suffocation the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌsʌfəˈkeɪʃən/ and the British form is /ˌsʌfəˈkeɪʃən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.