asphyxiation

noun

as·​phyx·​i·​ation as-ˌfik-sē-ˈā-shən 

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

The findings suggested Aria had died from asphyxiation by smothering prior to being placed in the pool. —Miami Herald, 2 July 2025

Reports identify Decker sisters' likely cause of death The three girls likely died of asphyxiation, Washington media outlets including Fox 13 and Seattle Times reported, citing court documents. —Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 5 June 2025

Officials believe the girls most likely died by asphyxiation, according to a preliminary report filed with the Chelan County Superior Court, Fox 13 Seattle reported. —Nicole Acosta, People.com, 9 June 2025

Per a preliminary examination, all three girls likely died by asphyxiation, NBC News reported, citing an affidavit in support of an arrest warrant for their father. —Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 5 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1829, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing asphyxiation

• autoerotic asphyxiation

Rhymes for asphyxiation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration