asphyxia

noun as·phyx·ia \ as-ˈfik-sē-ə , əs- \

Updated on: 19 May 2018

Definition of asphyxia

: a lack of oxygen or excess of carbon dioxide in the body that results in unconsciousness and often death and is usually caused by interruption of breathing or inadequate oxygen supply

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Examples of asphyxia in a Sentence

The cause of death was asphyxia.

Recent Examples of asphyxia from the Web

His death was ruled a homicide caused by asphyxia by strangulation, complicated by heroin intoxication, according to attorneys.

— becky jacobs, Post-Tribune, "Hobart woman convicted of boyfriend's death set for sentencing in husband's murder," 14 May 2018
His death was ruled a homicide as a result of asphyxia.

— theresa vargas, baltimoresun.com, "Settlement reached in police-custody death of Frederick County man with Down syndrome," 25 Apr. 2018
His death was ruled a homicide caused by asphyxia by strangulation, complicated by heroin intoxication, according to attorneys.

— becky jacobs, Post-Tribune, "Woman serving life in Michigan for boyfriend's death pleads guilty to her husband's murder in Indiana," 18 Apr. 2018
The coroner ruled the teenager died of asphyxia, from his chest being compressed.

— CBS News, "Police chief says something went "terribly wrong" in death of teen trapped in van," 13 Apr. 2018
The Hamilton County Coroner's Office said Plush's death was accidental, caused by asphyxia due to chest compression.

— jonathan sperling /, NBC News, "Ohio teenager suffocates in van after twice calling 911, leading to investigation," 13 Apr. 2018
The coroner ruled the teen died of asphyxia, from his chest being compressed.

— Washington Post, "Ohio authorities probe “horrific” trapped teen’s death," 12 Apr. 2018
Salling, who died from suicide on Jan. 30 caused from asphyxia by hanging, did not test positive for any drugs.

— rania aniftos, Billboard, "Mark Salling's Toxicology Report Shows He Had Alcohol in His System When He Died," 19 Mar. 2018
Kayley died of positional asphyxia, which means the way her body was positioned obstructed her breathing, according to the Associated Press.

— alexia fernandez, PEOPLE.com, "NJ Father Says 'Hell Is Not Good Enough' for His Child's Mom Who Got High & Left Daughter to Die," 17 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'asphyxia.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of asphyxia

New Latin, from Greek, stopping of the pulse, from a- + sphyzein to throb

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1683

in the meaning defined above

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Other Medicine Terms

analgesia, angina, diabetes, hepatitis, homeopathy, logorrhea, palliate, pandemic

ASPHYXIA Defined for English Language Learners

asphyxia

noun

Definition of asphyxia for English Language Learners

medical : the state of not being able to breathe

Medical Dictionary

asphyxia

noun as·phyx·ia \ as-ˈfik-sē-ə, əs- \

medical Definition of asphyxia

: a lack of oxygen or excess of carbon dioxide in the body that is usually caused by interruption of breathing and that causes unconsciousness — compare suffocation

—

asphyxial

play \-sē-əl\ adjective

Learn More about asphyxia

See words that rhyme with asphyxia Spanish Central: Translation of asphyxia Nglish: Translation of asphyxia for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of asphyxia for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about asphyxia

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asphyxia

Definition of asphyxia

Examples of asphyxia in a Sentence

Recent Examples of asphyxia from the Web

Origin and Etymology of asphyxia

Other Medicine Terms

ASPHYXIA Defined for English Language Learners

asphyxia

Definition of asphyxia for English Language Learners

Medical Dictionary

asphyxia

medical Definition of asphyxia

asphyxial

Learn More about asphyxia

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Definition of asphyxia for English Language Learners

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medical Definition of asphyxia

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