asphyxiate
verb
as·phyx·i·ate
as-ˈfik-sē-ˌāt
əs-
asphyxiated; asphyxiating
: 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.
: to become asphyxiated
… ended in several deaths, including that of a … secretary who asphyxiated during a smoke bombing.—Robert I. Friedman
Cite this Entry
“Asphyxiate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/asphyxiate. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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