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 Kansas Bureau of Investigation said in a statement Friday that a medical examiner ruled Adair’s death had been caused by mechanical asphyxia, or when an object or physical force stops someone from breathing.
—Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 11 Sep. 2025
The coroner listed her cause of death as asphyxia.
—Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 3 Sep. 2025
The child was unable to rescue himself and died from strangulation and asphyxia.
—Chad Murphy, The Enquirer, 5 Aug. 2025
Warner died of asphyxia on July 20 after being caught by a high current while swimming in Costa Rica.
—Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 28 July 2025
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Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 11 Sep. 2025
The coroner listed her cause of death as asphyxia.
—Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 3 Sep. 2025
The child was unable to rescue himself and died from strangulation and asphyxia.
—Chad Murphy, The Enquirer, 5 Aug. 2025
Warner died of asphyxia on July 20 after being caught by a high current while swimming in Costa Rica.
—Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 28 July 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 20 Sep. 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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