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

Medical evidence heard during the new inquests stated that the victims who died from asphyxia at Hillsborough were likely to have been subjected to pressure that waxed and waned.

From BBC • Feb. 7, 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

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

It further recognizes “all cases of exceptional bravery in rescuing or attempting to rescue persons from asphyxia in mines, wells, blasting furnaces, or in sewers where foul gas may endanger life.”

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 13, Slice 8 "Hudson River" to "Hurstmonceaux" by Various

Related Words

• coma
• slumber
• trance