Smothered

Smothered is the past participle of the verb smother. In its direct sense, to smother means to cover someone or something so completely that breathing is blocked, or to overwhelm through excessive attention, protection, or heat. The term can describe both physical suffocation and metaphorical suppression.

In cooking, smothered refers to a technique where meat or vegetables are cooked slowly in a covered pan with liquid, creating a thick sauce. Common dishes include smothered chicken, smothered pork chops, and smothered potatoes. The typical method involves browning the meat, then adding onions or other aromatics and a liquid such as stock or gravy, and simmering until tender. The result is tender meat bathed in a rich sauce.

In broader usage, “smothered” can describe being overwhelmed by emotions, heat, or crowding, or the act of suppressing or stifling something such as a voice or expression. It often carries a negative or restrictive nuance, especially in contexts of protection or control that feels excessive.