asphyxiate

verb

as·​phyx·​i·​ate as-ˈfik-sē-ˌāt How to pronounce asphyxiate (audio)
əs-
asphyxiated; asphyxiating

transitive verb

: to cause asphyxia in : to kill, suspend animation in, or make unconscious through want of adequate oxygen, presence of noxious agents, or other obstruction to normal breathing
The murder victim was asphyxiated.

intransitive verb

: to become asphyxiated
… ended in several deaths, including that of a … secretary who asphyxiated during a smoke bombing.Robert I. Friedman

Examples of asphyxiate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Environmentalists also say that the transportation and injection of CO2 — an asphyxiating gas that displaces oxygen — could lead to dangerous leaks. Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2024 The method is designed to asphyxiate the condened inmate by forcing them to breathe pure nitrogen, or toxically high concentrations of nitrogen, through a gas mask. Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 3 Jan. 2024 Investigators found that she had been raped and asphyxiated. Kerry Breen, CBS News, 1 Feb. 2024 Microbes feast on the nutrients, using up dissolved oxygen, which asphyxiates other lifeforms. Howard Lee, Ars Technica, 8 Feb. 2023 Lori Vallow Daybell: Everything to Know About the Idaho Mom Convicted of Killing Her 2 Kids Dr. Garth Warren, a forensic pathologist, said J.J. was asphyxiated with a plastic bag and duct tape over his mouth, according to East Idaho News, KTVB reporter Alexandra Duggan and Fox 10. Nicole Acosta, Peoplemag, 17 Oct. 2023 Jimi Hendrix had asphyxiated after ingesting a massive quantity of barbiturates that September. Will Hermes, New York Times, 22 Sep. 2023 England has shown its depth and ability to adjust—to asphyxiate opponents instead of pummelling them. Louisa Thomas, The New Yorker, 19 Aug. 2023 Varrone says Amber, Megan, Melissa and Maureen were all asphyxiated. Erin Moriarty, CBS News, 14 July 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'asphyxiate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see asphyxia

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of asphyxiate was in 1836

Dictionary Entries Near asphyxiate

Cite this Entry

“Asphyxiate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/asphyxiate. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

asphyxiate

verb
as·​phyx·​i·​ate as-ˈfik-sē-ˌāt How to pronounce asphyxiate (audio)
asphyxiated; asphyxiating
: to cause asphyxia in
asphyxiation noun

Medical Definition

asphyxiate

verb
as·​phyx·​i·​ate -sē-ˌāt How to pronounce asphyxiate (audio)
asphyxiated; asphyxiating

transitive verb

: to cause asphyxia in
also : to kill or make unconscious through inadequate oxygen, presence of noxious agents, or other obstruction to normal breathing
asphyxiation noun
asphyxiator noun

More from Merriam-Webster on asphyxiate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!