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
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 on his own vomit, and that his death was accidental.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 15, 2025
That’s when agencies as diverse as the New York Police Department and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation made videos warning about positional asphyxia.
From Seattle Times ● May 14, 2024
When the fracture occurs in the upper part of the neck, paralysis of the muscles used in respiration must result, and death from asphyxia very shortly ensues.
From Special Report on Diseases of Cattle by United States. Bureau of Animal Industry
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