ASPHYXIATE Synonyms: 22 Similar and Opposite Words

asphyxiate

verb

Definition of asphyxiate next

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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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of asphyxiate The petition, which was granted by a federal judge, cites reports alleging that guards at the facility choked and asphyxiated Campos. —

Laura Romero, ABC News, 27 Jan. 2026 Officer Derek Chauvin, who is white, then knelt on Floyd’s neck for nine minutes, asphyxiating him. —

Nancy M. Preyor-Johnson, San Antonio Express-News, 16 Jan. 2026 The vocals mutate like asphyxiated Wingdings and aborted thoughts. —

Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 17 Dec. 2025 Teddy is found, bound and asphyxiated, in Cooper’s bedroom, which Aggie cannot bear to enter. —

Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 6 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for asphyxiate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for asphyxiate

Verb

Autopsies determined that Shine was strangled and Carse died from sharp force trauma, the police department said.

— Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 30 May 2026
Nate comes back to life and strangles Cassie in a dark green Bottega Veneta suit, then Maddy saves her.

— Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 29 May 2026