smothery

[ smuhth-uh-ree ]

adjective

1. stifling; close:

   a smothery atmosphere.

Word History and Origins

Origin of smothery¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; smother + -y ¹

Example Sentences

I stayed in the backyard because Mom was always really smothery and concerned when I was crying, because I did not cry often, and I knew she’d want to talk and discuss whether I shouldn’t consider adjusting my medication, and the thought of that whole conversation made me want to throw up.

From Literature

But when he said, "Slide up my collar," in a thick, smothery sort of voice, she laughed aloud before she could stop, but turned the sound into a cough so quickly that Toaster Man looked up at her queerly only a moment; and she pulled the ring up until it held the bread tightly in place.

From Project Gutenberg

And in a few seconds, an unexpected breaking of the clouds drove thick smothery, enveloping snow across the plateau.

From Project Gutenberg

They were not to be reassured, either: the only effect produced by our laughing comments and friendly overtures being that the head which deemed itself pointedly addressed would disappear completely and remain so long out of sight as to make us feel quite smothery and criminally responsible.

From Project Gutenberg

And you might still be handing about the Rossetti �clairs in that smothery little place if I had not rescued you from your bondage.

From Project Gutenberg