asphyxiate

[as-fik-see-eyt]

verb (used with object)

asphyxiated, asphyxiating 

1. to produce asphyxia in.

2. to cause to die or lose consciousness by impairing normal breathing, as by gas or other noxious agents; choke; suffocate; smother.

verb (used without object)

asphyxiated, asphyxiating 

1. to become asphyxiated.

asphyxiate

/ æsˈfɪksɪˌeɪt /

verb

1. to cause asphyxia in or undergo asphyxia; smother; suffocate

Other Word Forms

• asphyxiation noun
• asphyxiator noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of asphyxiate¹

First recorded in 1830–40; asphyxi(a) + -ate ¹

Example Sentences

Gbagbo's party said the man had been shot by security forces, and alleged a baby had died from being asphyxiated by tear gas at another protest.

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It is a birthday shared by George Floyd, Jr., asphyxiated by arresting police in 2020 and who would have been 52.

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This stops the stress hormone and lactic acid buildup that can hurt flavor and texture when fish are left to asphyxiate.

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Victor had been dealing with breathing issues, and she wonders whether the heavy smoke might have asphyxiated him.

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She and others worry that it could be even trickier with CO2 — an odorless, asphyxiating gas.

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Related Words

• suffocate