asphyxiation

noun

as·​phyx·​i·​ation as-ˌfik-sē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce asphyxiation (audio)
əs-
: deprivation of oxygen that can result in unconsciousness and often death : an act of asphyxiating a person or animal or a state of asphyxia : suffocation
The autopsy showed that the cause of death was asphyxiation.
Pliny the Elder did not die of falling pumice, but of asphyxiation, as he breathed noxious fumes from the eruption.Sidney Perkowitz
Asphyxiation at birth caused permanent impairment of his nerve-signaling system …Ann Geracimos
In rats, mice, and rabbits ciguatera poison causes death by asphyxiation.Kwang-ming Li

Examples of asphyxiation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The report stated the Maricopa County medical examiner found Montoya’s cause of death to be mechanical asphyxiation — meaning physical force or an object prevented Montoya from breathing — and blunt force trauma. Perry Vandell, The Arizona Republic, 13 Nov. 2024 Zach: The prosecutors in the capital released the results of the autopsy: mechanical asphyxiation by drowning of a person with head trauma. Outside Online, 2 Oct. 2024 The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 has been used by the Labor Department to set safety standards to protect workers from falls, fires, electric shock, being hit by foreign objects, asphyxiation, chemical burns and more. Maureen Groppe, USA TODAY, 2 July 2024 In fatal cases, death is typically due to asphyxiation. Simmone Shah, TIME, 11 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for asphyxiation 

Word History

First Known Use

1829, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of asphyxiation was in 1829

Dictionary Entries Near asphyxiation

Cite this Entry

“Asphyxiation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/asphyxiation. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

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