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

The Department of Justice has directed federal prisons to expand the range of methods used for executions to include firing squads, gas asphyxiation and electrocution. —Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2026

The child died of asphyxiation and had marijuana in his system. —Robert McGreevy, FOXNews.com, 25 Apr. 2026

The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner’s Office concluded that her cause of death was asphyxiation. —David Goodhue april 23, Miami Herald, 23 Apr. 2026

The Florida high school senior died from mechanical asphyxiation, officials said. —Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 21 Apr. 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