asphyxia
noun
as·phyx·ia
as-ˈfik-sē-ə 
əs-
1
: a lack of oxygen or excess of carbon dioxide in the body that results in unconsciousness and often death and is usually caused by interruption of breathing or inadequate oxygen supply
2
: the state of being stifled or suppressed
As a patient in hospital I felt both anguish and asphyxia—the anguish of being confronted with dissolution, and asphyxia because I could not be heard.—
Oliver Sacks
Oliver SacksExamples of asphyxia in a Sentence
The cause of death was asphyxia.
Recent Examples on the Web
Compression asphyxia is a type of mechanical asphyxia.
—Korin Miller, Health, 10 May 2024
An autopsy determined that the infant died as a result of asphyxia and multiple rib fractures.
—Sean Neumann, People.com, 22 Oct. 2024
The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled Zapata’s death a homicide in October, and said his death was caused by acute asthma exacerbation complicated by mechanical asphyxia and methamphetamine.
—Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 June 2024
An autopsy later determined that the victim died from positional asphyxia with contributing factors of pre-existing health issues.
—Christine Pelisek, People.com, 2 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for asphyxia 
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Korin Miller, Health, 10 May 2024
An autopsy determined that the infant died as a result of asphyxia and multiple rib fractures.
—Sean Neumann, People.com, 22 Oct. 2024
The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled Zapata’s death a homicide in October, and said his death was caused by acute asthma exacerbation complicated by mechanical asphyxia and methamphetamine.
—Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 June 2024
An autopsy later determined that the victim died from positional asphyxia with contributing factors of pre-existing health issues.
—Christine Pelisek, People.com, 2 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for asphyxia
Dictionary Entries Near asphyxia
Cite this Entry
“Asphyxia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/asphyxia. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
asphyxia
noun
as·phyx·ia
as-ˈfik-sē-ə
: a lack of oxygen or excess of carbon dioxide in the body usually caused by interruption of breathing or insufficient oxygen supply and resulting in unconsciousness and often death
Medical Definition
asphyxia
noun
as·phyx·ia
as-ˈfik-sē-ə, əs-
: a lack of oxygen or excess of carbon dioxide in the body that is usually caused by interruption of breathing and that causes unconsciousness compare suffocation
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