as in to strangle
to cause (someone) to stop breathing and often to become unconscious and die
The murder victim was asphyxiated.
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Recent Examples of asphyxiate
Tylee had been dismembered and burned; J.J. was asphyxiated and wrapped in plastic and bound by duct tape.
—
Christine Pelisek, Peoplemag, 23 May 2024
At least three inmates died after stuffing paper, sanitary napkins or other items down their throats, asphyxiating before anyone intervened.
—Keri Blakinger, Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2025
Eaton was strangled and Bryant was asphyxiated, prosecutors said.
—Samantha Moilanen, Chicago Tribune, 10 Jan. 2025
Its neck is far too skinny and would only asphyxiate any bloom.
—Diane Williams, Harper's Magazine, 2 Sep. 2024
See All Example Sentences for asphyxiate
Christine Pelisek, Peoplemag, 23 May 2024
At least three inmates died after stuffing paper, sanitary napkins or other items down their throats, asphyxiating before anyone intervened.
—Keri Blakinger, Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2025
Eaton was strangled and Bryant was asphyxiated, prosecutors said.
—Samantha Moilanen, Chicago Tribune, 10 Jan. 2025
Its neck is far too skinny and would only asphyxiate any bloom.
—Diane Williams, Harper's Magazine, 2 Sep. 2024
See All Example Sentences for asphyxiate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for asphyxiate
Verb
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Progressives say Connecticut has over-corrected for past fiscal mistakes, saving excessively and strangling core programs, even in times of high inflation or shrinking federal aid.—
Keith M. Phaneuf,
Hartford Courant,
17 June 2025
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There was another path—to strangle the regime and empower the people.—
Nazanin Boniadi,
Time,
17 June 2025
Verb
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The funeral service for a Metro Transit Police Department sergeant who drowned on Sunday in White Bear Lake will be Friday.—
Mary Divine,
Twin Cities,
25 June 2025
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Tragically, eight people drowned, while two were rescued by lifeguards, park rangers and nearby civilian boaters who rushed to help.—
Bethany Wales,
Sacbee.com,
25 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Asphyxiate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/asphyxiate. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.
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