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.
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
These results highlight the need for early genetic testing in children with cerebral palsy, especially those with risk factors like birth asphyxia, to ensure they receive the right medical care and treatment.
From Science Daily • May 7, 2024
“You have probably observed that the many slits in the wall permit of free ventilation; and asphyxia with free ventilation is an impossibility.”
From Cleek of Scotland Yard Detective Stories by Hanshew, Thomas W.
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.
