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
A cause of death for Liliwen was given as asphyxia or a lack of oxygen during birth.
From BBC • Jul. 8, 2025
In nearly 100 cases, AP identified documents that showed whether officers had training in or otherwise knew the risk of positional asphyxia.
From Seattle Times • May 14, 2024
Complications may arise, the strength may fail, the secretions may become too abundant, and asphyxia may ensue; emphysema may show itself, or catarrhal pneumonia may gradually supervene.
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.
