<p><strong>Verb (used with object)</strong></p><ul><li>to stifle or suffocate, as by smoke or other means of preventing free breathing.</li><li>to extinguish or deaden (fire, coals, etc.) by covering so as to exclude air.</li><li>to cover closely or thickly; envelop: to smother a steak with mushrooms.</li><li>to suppress or repress: to smother feelings.</li><li>(Cooking) to steam (food) slowly in a heavy, tightly closed vessel with a minimum of liquid: smothered chicken and onions.</li></ul><p><strong>Verb (used without object)</strong></p><ul><li>to become stifled or suffocated; be prevented from breathing.</li><li>to be stifled; be suppressed or concealed.</li></ul><p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>dense, stifling smoke.</li><li>a smoking or smoldering state, as of burning matter.</li><li>dust, fog, spray, etc., in a dense or enveloping cloud.</li><li>an overspreading profusion of anything: a smother of papers.</li></ul>