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.

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asphyxia British  

/ æsˈfɪksɪə /

noun

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

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asphyxia Scientific  

/ ăs-fĭk′sē-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.

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Other Word Forms

• asphyxial adjective

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

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

Nearly all states have a Peace Officer Standards and Training agency that sets out what must be taught, so AP asked each commission whether it requires instruction on 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

Mention need hardly be made here of respiratory obstruction from defective or injurious qualities of the air, threatening or producing asphyxia.

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

Related Words

• coma
• slumber
• trance