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Synonyms

asphyxia

American  
[as-fik-see-uh] / æsˈfɪk si ə /

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 British  
/ æsˈfɪksɪə /

noun

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

"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

asphyxia Scientific  
/ ăs-fĭksē-ə /
  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

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.

See Examples For:

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 a statement read to the inquest jury, Home Office pathologist Dr Jennifer Bolton said Leah died from "traumatic asphyxia", but had "no natural disease".

From BBC Apr. 24, 2025

Among the states that responded, 10 said they did not require positional asphyxia training and 20 states said they do include that training.

From Seattle Times May 14, 2024

At any period in the progress of cholera, except that of complete asphyxia, the contest between the system and the disease may be decided in favor of the former.

From A System of Practical Medicine by American Authors, Vol. I Volume 1: Pathology and General Diseases by Various

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