asphyxiation

noun

as·​phyx·​i·​ation as-ˌfik-sē-ˈā-shən 

əs-

: deprivation of oxygen that can result in unconsciousness and often death : an act of asphyxiating a person or animal or a state of asphyxia : suffocation

The autopsy showed that the cause of death was asphyxiation.

Pliny the Elder did not die of falling pumice, but of asphyxiation, as he breathed noxious fumes from the eruption.

—Sidney Perkowitz

Asphyxiation at birth caused permanent impairment of his nerve-signaling system …

—Ann Geracimos

In rats, mice, and rabbits ciguatera poison causes death by asphyxiation.

—Kwang-ming Li

Examples of asphyxiation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Symptoms include wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and coughing, and while the vast majority of asthma attacks can be managed with treatment, a severe attack can prove fatal through asphyxiation and respiratory failure. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 17 Oct. 2026

According to the indictment, detainees were subjected to electric shocks, simulated drowning, beatings, asphyxiation, sleep deprivation and threats against their relatives. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026

The methods alleged include starvation, electric shock, asphyxiation and beatings. — Alice Gainer, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026

Usage can also lead to blood clots, asphyxiation, impaired bowel and bladder function and paralysis. — Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1829, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing asphyxiation

• autoerotic asphyxiation

Rhymes for asphyxiation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation