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 on his own vomit, and that his death was accidental.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 15, 2025
Told that, Celinski said positional asphyxia may have been discussed briefly during the 408-hour basic training course.
From Seattle Times • May 14, 2024
These results highlight the need for early genetic testing in children with cerebral palsy, especially those with risk factors like birth asphyxia, to ensure they receive the right medical care and treatment.
From Science Daily • May 7, 2024
Failure of its air-rejuvenator unit had caused asphyxia.
From Comet's Burial by Gallun, Raymond Z.
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.
