asphyxiation
noun
as·phyx·i·ation
as-ˌfik-sē-ˈā-shən
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
Cite this Entry
“Asphyxiation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/asphyxiation. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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