asphyxiate

[ as-fik-see-eyt ]

See synonyms for asphyxiate on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object),as·phyx·i·at·ed, as·phyx·i·at·ing.

to produce asphyxia in.
to cause to die or lose consciousness by impairing normal breathing, as by gas or other noxious agents; choke; suffocate; smother.

verb (used without object),as·phyx·i·at·ed, as·phyx·i·at·ing.

to become asphyxiated.

Origin of asphyxiate

First recorded in 1830–40; asphyxi(a) + -ate¹

Other words from asphyxiate

as·phyx·i·a·tion [as-fik-see-ey-shuhn] /æsˌfɪk siˈeɪ ʃən/ noun
as·phyx·i·a·tor, noun

Words that may be confused with asphyxiate

asphyxia, asphyxiation

Words Nearby asphyxiate

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use asphyxiate in a sentence

It is not only that such women do nothing themselves—they slowly asphyxiate their friends, their brothers, or their husbands.
Three Addresses to Girls at School | James Maurice Wilson
A tablespoonful poured on a cow-chip and rolled down a dog hole will asphyxiate the entire family.
Bat Wing Bowles | Dane Coolidge
Compression of the vagus nerve may slow the child's pulse and asphyxiate it through lack of oxygen in the blood.
The Ethics of Medical Homicide and Mutilation | Austin O'Malley
When version has been done haste may compress the head in the tight cervix and asphyxiate the child.
The Ethics of Medical Homicide and Mutilation | Austin O'Malley
It might precipitate, into the air, gases which would asphyxiate us or cause a general conflagration.
Astronomy of To-day | Cecil G. Dolmage

British Dictionary definitions for asphyxiate

asphyxiate

/ (æsˈfɪksɪˌeɪt) /

verb

to cause asphyxia in or undergo asphyxia; smother; suffocate

Derived forms of asphyxiate

asphyxiation, noun
asphyxiator, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Browse