'suffocate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'suffocare,' where 'sub-' meant 'under' and 'fauces' meant 'throat.'

'suffocare' transformed into the Old French word 'suffoquer,' and eventually became the modern English word 'suffocate' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to choke or strangle,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to cause to die or lose consciousness by impairing normal breathing.'