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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The condition involves the involuntary pulling of the muscles that open and close the vocal folds, causing the voice to sound strained and strangled, at times with a breathy quality.—
Indu Subramanian,
The Conversation,
1 May 2025
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Despite Jacmel’s sense of calm compared to Port-au-Prince, there’s fear that the terror strangling the capital and its neighboring Artibonite region will spread.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
27 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Her 14-year-old brother drowned, according to authorities, and her father is in a coma.—
Karen Kucher,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 May 2025
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Except the music playing her off the stage drowns out his name!—
Keith Phipps,
Vulture,
7 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Asphyxiate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/asphyxiate. Accessed 11 May. 2025.
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