asphyxiate
verb
as·phyx·i·ate
as-ˈfik-sē-ˌāt 
əs-
asphyxiated; asphyxiating
: to cause asphyxia in : to kill, suspend animation in, or make unconscious through want of adequate oxygen, presence of noxious agents, or other obstruction to normal breathing
The murder victim was asphyxiated.
: to become asphyxiated
… ended in several deaths, including that of a … secretary who asphyxiated during a smoke bombing.—
Robert I. Friedman
Robert I. FriedmanExamples of asphyxiate in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
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
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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
Dictionary Entries Near asphyxiate
Cite this Entry
“Asphyxiate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/asphyxiate. Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.
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Medical Definition
asphyxiate
verb
as·phyx·i·ate
-sē-ˌāt
asphyxiated; asphyxiating
: to cause asphyxia in
also
: to kill or make unconscious through inadequate oxygen, presence of noxious agents, or other obstruction to normal breathing
: to become asphyxiated
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