asphyxiation

[as-fik-see-ey-shuhn]

noun

1. a lack of oxygen and excess of carbon dioxide in the blood, caused by impaired respiration or insufficient oxygen in the air; suffocation.

   The cause of death was severe asphyxiation, apparently from smoke inhalation.

2. the condition of being stifled or suffocated.

   Peripheral countries, faced with economic asphyxiation, are being forced to sell access to their fishing banks for far less than they are worth.

Word History and Origins

Origin of asphyxiation¹

asphyxi(ate) ( def. ) + -ation ( def. )

Example Sentences

Skaggs died in his hotel room in Texas of asphyxiation, according to an autopsy, choking on his own vomit while under the influence of oxycodone, fentanyl and alcohol.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Mooney’s cause of death was determined to be “homicidal violence” likely caused by asphyxiation, according to Brice Hunt, a medical examiner with the Los Angeles County coroner’s office.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The agency’s investigation of the incident found that one employee walked into the cold room, passed out, and died of asphyxiation.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The charity demanded that Israeli authorities stop what it called the "deliberate asphyxiation of Gaza and the annihilation of its healthcare system".

Read more on BBC

In severe cases, complete muscular paralysis and death from asphyxiation can occur.

Read more on Los Angeles Times