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

Examples of asphyxia in a Sentence

The cause of death was asphyxia.

Recent Examples on the Web

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

The Milwaukee County medical examiner ruled Mitchell’s death was a homicide, the result of restraint asphyxia and toxic effects of cocaine and methamphetamine. —Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek, stopping of the pulse, from a- + sphyzein to throb

First Known Use

1778, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids 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

asphyxial

-sē-əl 

adjective