窒息 zhìxī to choke
to choke; to stifle; to suffocate
How to remember 窒息: 窒 to obstruct + 息 breath = to choke.
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How it is used
- To suffocate / be unable to breathe - 浓烟令人窒息 (nóngyān lìng rén zhìxī) the thick smoke is suffocating.
- Widely used figuratively for oppressive atmospheres: 令人窒息的气氛 a stifling atmosphere; 窒息的爱 smothering love.
- Register is somewhat formal/literary; medical and emotional contexts alike.