asphyxia

[as-fik-see-uh]

noun

Pathology.

1. the extreme condition caused by lack of oxygen and excess of carbon dioxide in the blood, produced by interference with respiration or insufficient oxygen in the air; suffocation.

asphyxia

/ æsˈfɪksɪə /

noun

1. lack of oxygen in the blood due to restricted respiration; suffocation. If severe enough and prolonged, it causes death

asphyxia

1. A condition characterized by an extreme decrease in the amount of oxygen in the body accompanied by an increase of carbon dioxide, caused by an an inability to breathe. Asphyxia usually results in loss of consciousness and sometimes death.

Other Word Forms

• asphyxial adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of asphyxia¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of asphyxia¹

C18: from New Latin, from Greek asphuxia a stopping of the pulse, from _a- ¹ + sphuxis pulse, from sphuzein to throb

Example Sentences

An autopsy concluded Skaggs accidentally died of asphyxia after aspirating his own vomit while under the influence of fentanyl, oxycodone and alcohol.

From Los Angeles Times

A post-mortem examination concluded Mr Burton died as a result of traumatic asphyxia.

From BBC

A pathologist confirmed that she had died from asphyxia due to strangulation and pressure on her mouth.

From BBC

An autopsy determined the girl died from asphyxia due to neck compression and drowning, according to the Los Angeles County medical examiner.

From Los Angeles Times

The San Diego County medical examiner’s office concluded that the cause of death was asphyxia and classified the manner of death as homicide.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• coma 
• slumber 
• trance