asphyxia
Americannoun
noun
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.
"We received around 50 students, including several teachers, in a critical state of asphyxia," said Christophe Zigashane, a nurse in a neighbouring clinic.
From Barron's ● Sep. 10, 2026
The autopsy determined he died from asphyxia after aspirating his own vomit, and that his death was accidental.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 12, 2025
A cause of death for Liliwen was given as asphyxia or a lack of oxygen during birth.
From BBC ● Jul. 8, 2025
His cause of death was “restraint asphyxia and the toxic effects of ketamine.”
From Seattle Times ● May 14, 2024
Failure of its air-rejuvenator unit had caused asphyxia.
From Comet's Burial by Raymond Z. Gallun
Random Word
Spin the wheel and learn a new word!
Get a wordDefinitions 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.
