asphyxia
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of asphyxia
First recorded in 1700–10; from New Latin, from Greek asphyxía “a stopping of the pulse,” equivalent to a- a- 6 + sphýx(is) “pulse” + -ia -ia
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Medical evidence heard during the new inquests stated that the victims who died from asphyxia at Hillsborough were likely to have been subjected to pressure that waxed and waned.
From BBC • Feb. 7, 2026
The autopsy determined he died from asphyxia after aspirating his own vomit, and that his death was accidental.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 12, 2025
A cause of death for Liliwen was given as asphyxia or a lack of oxygen during birth.
From BBC • Jul. 8, 2025
He said the methods he teaches don’t run afoul of California’s law because prone restraint doesn’t carry a serious risk of positional asphyxia.
From Seattle Times • May 14, 2024
At any period in the progress of cholera, except that of complete asphyxia, the contest between the system and the disease may be decided in favor of the former.
From A System of Practical Medicine by American Authors, Vol. I Volume 1: Pathology and General Diseases by Various
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
