Sétouffer

Sétouffer is a French verb meaning to suffocate or to choke. It describes a state where breathing is difficult or impossible due to obstruction of the airway or lack of oxygen. This can occur in various situations, such as when a foreign object is lodged in the throat, during an allergic reaction leading to swelling, or in an environment with insufficient breathable air.

The sensation of étouffer is one of distress and panic as the body struggles to obtain oxygen. Medical attention is crucial in cases of étouffer, as prolonged lack of oxygen can lead to serious health consequences or death. First aid measures, like the Heimlich maneuver, can be employed to dislodge obstructions in the airway.

Beyond the literal physical sense, étouffer can also be used metaphorically in French to describe a feeling of being overwhelmed, stifled, or oppressed. For instance, someone might say they feel étouffé by their work or by a suffocating atmosphere. This figurative use conveys a sense of being unable to breathe freely due to intense pressure or constraint.