“闷死”常见的英文表达有“suffocate to death” 或者更简洁的 “suffocate”(当强调“导致死亡”这一结果时,结合语境可理解为“闷死” ;若仅描述“闷”这个状态,让人有窒息感,也可用“smother” ,不过“smother” 更侧重于“捂住、使窒息(不一定致死)” )。以下为具体例句:
suffocate to death
The little kitten was accidentally locked in the closet and suffocated to death. 那只小猫不小心被锁在衣柜里,闷死了。
suffocate(强调“闷”导致死亡这一结果时)
In this poorly ventilated room, I feel like I'm going to suffocate. 在这个通风极差的房间里,我感觉自己要被闷死了(此处虽未直接说“suffocate to death”,但结合语境,能表达出“闷死”的担忧,若直接描述死亡场景,可说“He was found suffocated in the sealed space.” 他在密封空间里被发现闷死了。 )
smother(侧重“捂住、使窒息”动作,语境合适可表达“闷死” )
The thick smoke smothered him and he couldn't breathe. 浓烟使他窒息,他无法呼吸。(这种情况严重下去就有“闷死”危险 )