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
Sidney PerkowitzAsphyxiation at birth caused permanent impairment of his nerve-signaling system …—Ann Geracimos
Ann GeracimosIn rats, mice, and rabbits ciguatera poison causes death by asphyxiation.—Kwang-ming Li
Kwang-ming Li
Examples of asphyxiation in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
An autopsy report showed Tucker died from asphyxiation and that finger marks were found around her neck, according to the state’s attorney’s office.
—Sean Neumann, Peoplemag, 24 Aug. 2023
The medical examiner eventually determined her death to be a homicide and pointed to two causes — ethylene glycol poisoning and asphyxiation.
—Tim Stelloh, NBC News, 12 Oct. 2023
An older review lists drowning and near-drowning, as well as asphyxiation as risks of possible water birth complications.
—Bekka Besich, Parents, 3 Sep. 2023
Gein’s brother Henry passed away in 1944 at age 43 from asphyxiation following a mysterious fire.
—Stephanie Nolasco, Fox News, 24 Sep. 2023
Many of those killed were trampled to death or died from asphyxiation and other breathing problems, officials said.
—Heather Chen, CNN, 30 Sep. 2023
The baby was found on an infant lounger, which can be a risk for asphyxiation and suffocation.
—Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 22 June 2023
Government pathologists have said that some victims died of asphyxiation and strangulation.
—Anna Gordon, Time, 15 June 2023
Bodies Found on Chad Daybell's Property Belonged to Children, Prosecutors Say
During opening statements at the trial, Fremont County Prosecuting Attorney Lindsey Blake declared that Tammy's cause of death was asphyxiation.
—Michael Lee Simpson, Peoplemag, 6 Sep. 2023
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Sean Neumann, Peoplemag, 24 Aug. 2023
The medical examiner eventually determined her death to be a homicide and pointed to two causes — ethylene glycol poisoning and asphyxiation.
—Tim Stelloh, NBC News, 12 Oct. 2023
An older review lists drowning and near-drowning, as well as asphyxiation as risks of possible water birth complications.
—Bekka Besich, Parents, 3 Sep. 2023
Gein’s brother Henry passed away in 1944 at age 43 from asphyxiation following a mysterious fire.
—Stephanie Nolasco, Fox News, 24 Sep. 2023
Many of those killed were trampled to death or died from asphyxiation and other breathing problems, officials said.
—Heather Chen, CNN, 30 Sep. 2023
The baby was found on an infant lounger, which can be a risk for asphyxiation and suffocation.
—Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 22 June 2023
Government pathologists have said that some victims died of asphyxiation and strangulation.
—Anna Gordon, Time, 15 June 2023
Bodies Found on Chad Daybell's Property Belonged to Children, Prosecutors Say
During opening statements at the trial, Fremont County Prosecuting Attorney Lindsey Blake declared that Tammy's cause of death was asphyxiation.
—Michael Lee Simpson, Peoplemag, 6 Sep. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'asphyxiation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1829, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing asphyxiation
Dictionary Entries Near asphyxiation
Cite this Entry
“Asphyxiation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/asphyxiation. Accessed 11 Dec. 2023.
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More from Merriam-Webster on asphyxiation
Nglish: Translation of asphyxiation for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of asphyxiation for Arabic Speakers
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