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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According to prosecutors, Stinnett briefly regained consciousness and tried to fight back before Montgomery strangled her to death.—
Nicole Acosta,
People.com,
19 Apr. 2025
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Before police could arrest him, Jane Doe told deputies from the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office about other times Betancourt battered and strangled her.—
Bay City News Service,
Mercury News,
13 Apr. 2025
Verb
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His playbook involves drowning rivals in legal fees.—
Winston Cho,
HollywoodReporter,
25 Apr. 2025
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Twin brothers died in a drowning incident while fishing in a Mississippi lake last week, officials said.—
Taylor Ardrey,
USA Today,
24 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Asphyxiate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/asphyxiate. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
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