ENGLISH
REFERENCE

smothered

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈsməðɝd// UK //smˈʌðəd// smoth·ered

adj. completely covered by something, often a thick layer of food or liquid. It can also describe feeling trapped because someone is giving you too much attention.

adj. completely covered or overwhelmed by a thick layer of a substance; figuratively, feeling oppressed by excessive attention or protection. Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'feel' or 'be'.


SIMPLE

The steak was smothered in a rich mushroom sauce.

CONTEXTUAL

She felt smothered by her parents' constant phone calls and their refusal to let her make her own decisions.

COMPLEX

The ancient ruins were found smothered by centuries of dense jungle growth, leaving only the tallest stone spires visible to the aerial survey team.

Synonyms
Usage

Often followed by the preposition 'in' or 'with' when describing physical coverage, and 'by' when describing emotional oppression.

© 2026 English Reference