This is the 12361st most frequent French word.
étouffante
Oppressive or suffocating.
In this sentence, 'étouffante' describes the oppressive heat that causes discomfort or a stifling sensation.
La chaleur étouffante de l'été nous oblige à rester à l'intérieur.
The stifling heat of summer forces us to stay indoors.
Here, 'étouffant' is used metaphorically to describe behavior that feels smothering or restrictive.
Son comportement étouffant m'empêche de m'exprimer librement.
His stifling behavior prevents me from expressing myself freely.
In this context, 'étouffante' is used to convey the cramped and oppressive feeling of a physical space.