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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Recent Examples of asphyxiate
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
See All Example Sentences for asphyxiate
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for asphyxiate
Verb
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Prosecutors say that in December 2024, Tyler strangled Bruno to death at the dog’s New Rochelle home.—
Lesley Cosme Torres,
People.com,
5 June 2025
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The man then strangled the dog, injuring its neck and throat, officials said.—
Jennifer Rodriguez,
Kansas City Star,
3 June 2025
Verb
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Multiple adults, including the mother, were monitoring the group of children swimming when the boy drowned, deputies said.—
Kate Linderman,
Kansas City Star,
13 June 2025
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Three kayakers, including Boswell High School senior Luke Nickens, drowned in North Texas lakes in March.—
Harriet Ramos,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
12 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Asphyxiate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/asphyxiate. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.
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