The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Suffocate \Suf"fo*cate\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Suffocated; p.
   pr. & vb. n. Suffocating.]
   1. To choke or kill by stopping respiration; to stifle; to
      smother.
      [1913 Webster]

            Let not hemp his windpipe suffocate.  --Shak.
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   2. To destroy; to extinguish; as, to suffocate fire.
      [1913 Webster]