as in strangling
to cause (someone) to stop breathing and often to become unconscious and die
The murder victim was asphyxiated.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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 asphyxiating
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
Nancy M. Preyor-Johnson, San Antonio Express-News, 16 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for asphyxiating
Verb
-
He’s charged with strangling his former chef in December.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
5 Mar. 2026
-
Becky is dehydrated and delirious, but manages to nourish herself after strangling and eating a vulture that attacked her on the platform.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Brian Wilson died June 11, 2025, while drummer Dennis, the only surfer, despite the group's association with Southern California surfing culture, died after drowning in 1983.—
KiMi Robinson,
USA Today,
4 Mar. 2026
-
If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, Bruno Mars’ heroes are drowning in compliments.—
Brittany Spanos,
Pitchfork,
3 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Asphyxiating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/asphyxiating. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
