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asphyxiation

American  
[as-fik-see-ey-shuhn] / æsˌfɪk siˈeɪ ʃən /

noun

  1. a lack of oxygen and excess of carbon dioxide in the blood, caused by impaired respiration or insufficient oxygen in the air; suffocation.

    The cause of death was severe asphyxiation, apparently from smoke inhalation.

  2. the condition of being stifled or suffocated.

    Peripheral countries, faced with economic asphyxiation, are being forced to sell access to their fishing banks for far less than they are worth.


Etymology

Origin of asphyxiation

asphyxi(ate) ( def. ) + -ation ( def. )

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.

Skaggs died in his hotel room in Texas of asphyxiation, according to an autopsy, choking on his own vomit while under the influence of oxycodone, fentanyl and alcohol.

From Los Angeles Times

Mooney’s cause of death was determined to be “homicidal violence” likely caused by asphyxiation, according to Brice Hunt, a medical examiner with the Los Angeles County coroner’s office.

From Los Angeles Times

The agency’s investigation of the incident found that one employee walked into the cold room, passed out, and died of asphyxiation.

From Los Angeles Times

The charity demanded that Israeli authorities stop what it called the "deliberate asphyxiation of Gaza and the annihilation of its healthcare system".

From BBC

In severe cases, complete muscular paralysis and death from asphyxiation can occur.

From Los Angeles Times