asphyxiation

noun

as·​phyx·​i·​ation as-ˌfik-sē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce asphyxiation (audio)
əs-
: deprivation of oxygen that can result in unconsciousness and often death : an act of asphyxiating a person or animal or a state of asphyxia : suffocation
The autopsy showed that the cause of death was asphyxiation.
Pliny the Elder did not die of falling pumice, but of asphyxiation, as he breathed noxious fumes from the eruption.Sidney Perkowitz
Asphyxiation at birth caused permanent impairment of his nerve-signaling system …Ann Geracimos
In rats, mice, and rabbits ciguatera poison causes death by asphyxiation.Kwang-ming Li

Examples of asphyxiation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Instead, the defense suggested Neely's death may have been caused by cardiac arrest, a genetic condition or some other reason that was not asphyxiation. Kiara Alfonseca, ABC News, 1 Nov. 2024 There should not be openings that may entrap a child's head, neck, or body (this poses a risk of asphyxiation). Samson McDougall, Parents, 5 Oct. 2024 The family commissioned an independent autopsy that concluded Angelo had died from asphyxiation due to being held in a prone position. Jennifer Vilcarino, ABC News, 29 May 2024 Investigators disavowed their suspicions that Farah had a hand in her daughter’s death once the coroner's report found Paulette had died by accidental asphyxiation. Sean Neumann, Peoplemag, 7 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for asphyxiation 

Word History

First Known Use

1829, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of asphyxiation was in 1829

Dictionary Entries Near asphyxiation

Cite this Entry

“Asphyxiation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/asphyxiation. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

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