Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SMOTH-ER, v.t. [allied perhaps to Ir. smuid, smoke; Sax. methgian, to smoke.]

1. To suffocate or extinguish life by causing smoke or dust to enter the lungs; to stifle.
2. To suffocate or extinguish by closely covering, and by the exclusion of air; as, to smother a child in bed.
3. To suppress; to stifle; as, to smother the light of the understanding. – Hooker.