asphyxiate

[ as-fik-see-eyt ]

verb (used with object)

, as·phyx·i·at·ed, as·phyx·i·at·ing.

1. to produce asphyxia in.
2. to cause to die or lose consciousness by impairing normal breathing, as by gas or other noxious agents; choke; suffocate; smother.

verb (used without object)

, as·phyx·i·at·ed, as·phyx·i·at·ing.

1. to become asphyxiated.

asphyxiate

/ æsˈfɪksɪˌeɪt /

verb

1. to cause asphyxia in or undergo asphyxia; smother; suffocate

Derived Forms

• asˈphyxiˌator, noun
• asˌphyxiˈation, noun

Other Words From

• as·phyx·i·a·tion [as-fik-see-, ey, -sh, uh, n] noun
• as·phyx·i·a·tor noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of asphyxiate¹

First recorded in 1830–40; asphyxi(a) + -ate ¹

Example Sentences

That, in turn, causes them to “asphyxiate because their diaphragm has too much pressure on it.”

From Los Angeles Times

In one call, a facility nurse said the 28-year-old woman who tried to asphyxiate herself that March day had made a suicide attempt only a few days earlier, suggesting a seventh attempt not documented in records the UW center received.

From Seattle Times

“During the fight, Briceno suffered a neck compression that caused him to asphyxiate. Although we do not know definitively who caused the neck compression, the evidence suggests that it likely happened when Galvez jumped on Briceno’s back and they both fell to the floor.”

From Los Angeles Times

Toxic gases and ash from Mount Vesuvius took just minutes to asphyxiate an estimated 2,000 Pompeians in C.E.

From Scientific American

If your dog exceeds this time limit, it may end up with swelling in the back of its throat and start to asphyxiate.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• suffocate