ASPHYXIATION Synonyms: 22 Similar and Opposite Words

asphyxiate

verb

Definition of asphyxiate

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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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 asphyxiate The burns cause swelling, the airways close, and the victim can asphyxiate. — Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 22 May 2026 Tarrant County prosecutors said Busby and an accomplice abducted Crane, 77, from a grocery store parking lot, robbed her and then asphyxiated her with duct tape, wrapping 14 layers around her face. — Erik Ortiz, NBC news, 20 May 2026 The indictment charges Horner with strangling, smothering or asphyxiating Athena while in the course of kidnapping her. — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Apr. 2026 Like being asphyxiated in a ball pit filled with candy, the experience of watching The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is at once kaleidoscopic and nerve-wracking. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 1 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for asphyxiate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for asphyxiate

Verb

Witnesses speculated that the markings could be a sign she was strangled, raising concerns about possible foul play.

— Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 24 July 2026
One of the women who alleged she was strangled also accused him of rape, whipping her with a belt and pointing a gun in her face.

— Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 22 July 2026

Definition of strangle

Verb

When Rodri collected his Golden Ball award, having been voted player of the tournament, the Argentina supporters drowned it out with chants for Messi.

— Adam Crafton, New York Times, 20 July 2026
But they were outnumbered three or four to one by Argentina fans, who drowned them out with long flat roars whenever their team repelled a Spanish shot, or bundled a player off the pitch.

— Sam Knight, New Yorker, 20 July 2026