asphyxia
noun
as·phyx·ia
as-ˈfik-sē-ə 
əs-
1
: a lack of oxygen or excess of carbon dioxide in the body that results in unconsciousness and often death and is usually caused by interruption of breathing or inadequate oxygen supply
2
: the state of being stifled or suppressed
As a patient in hospital I felt both anguish and asphyxia—the anguish of being confronted with dissolution, and asphyxia because I could not be heard.—
Oliver Sacks
Oliver SacksExamples of asphyxia in a Sentence
The cause of death was asphyxia.
Recent Examples on the Web
The Jefferson Parish Coroner’s Office determined that Bella died from asphyxia due to strangulation and blunt-force trauma.
—Nicole Acosta, People.com, 6 May 2025
An autopsy determined the girl died from asphyxia due to neck compression and drowning, according to the Los Angeles County medical examiner.
—Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2025
The official cause of death was listed as compression asphyxia; the victims ranged in age from 9 to 27 years old.
—Michael Saponara, Billboard, 14 May 2025
The lawsuit also cites the municipality of Henry County, saying law enforcement should be trained to know the risks of positional asphyxia, which family says led to Russell’s death.
—Olivia Lloyd, Charlotte Observer, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for asphyxia
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Nicole Acosta, People.com, 6 May 2025
An autopsy determined the girl died from asphyxia due to neck compression and drowning, according to the Los Angeles County medical examiner.
—Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2025
The official cause of death was listed as compression asphyxia; the victims ranged in age from 9 to 27 years old.
—Michael Saponara, Billboard, 14 May 2025
The lawsuit also cites the municipality of Henry County, saying law enforcement should be trained to know the risks of positional asphyxia, which family says led to Russell’s death.
—Olivia Lloyd, Charlotte Observer, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for asphyxia
Cite this Entry
“Asphyxia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/asphyxia. Accessed 31 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
asphyxia
noun
as·phyx·ia
as-ˈfik-sē-ə
: a lack of oxygen or excess of carbon dioxide in the body usually caused by interruption of breathing or insufficient oxygen supply and resulting in unconsciousness and often death
Medical Definition
asphyxia
noun
as·phyx·ia
as-ˈfik-sē-ə, əs-
: a lack of oxygen or excess of carbon dioxide in the body that is usually caused by interruption of breathing and that causes unconsciousness compare suffocation
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