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
Sidney PerkowitzAsphyxiation at birth caused permanent impairment of his nerve-signaling system …—Ann Geracimos
Ann GeracimosIn rats, mice, and rabbits ciguatera poison causes death by asphyxiation.—Kwang-ming Li
Kwang-ming LiExamples of asphyxiation in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The Ada County coroner testified that J.J. died of asphyxiation by a plastic bag and Tylee died of homicide by unknown means due to the fact that her remains were dismembered and badly burned before they were buried.
—Audrey Conklin, Fox News, 2 June 2024
Fremont County Prosecuting Attorney Lindsey Blake also revealed during Lori's trial that Tammy's cause of death was asphyxiation.
—Corin Cesaric, Peoplemag, 1 June 2024
Her cause of death was asphyxiation, prosecutors revealed during Vallow's trial.
—Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 30 May 2024
But suspicions later led Tammy's body to be exhumed, and the cause of death was changed to homicide: asphyxiation by suffocation.
—Jonathan Franklin, NPR, 30 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for asphyxiation 
Audrey Conklin, Fox News, 2 June 2024
Fremont County Prosecuting Attorney Lindsey Blake also revealed during Lori's trial that Tammy's cause of death was asphyxiation.
—Corin Cesaric, Peoplemag, 1 June 2024
Her cause of death was asphyxiation, prosecutors revealed during Vallow's trial.
—Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 30 May 2024
But suspicions later led Tammy's body to be exhumed, and the cause of death was changed to homicide: asphyxiation by suffocation.
—Jonathan Franklin, NPR, 30 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for asphyxiation
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'asphyxiation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near asphyxiation
Cite this Entry
“Asphyxiation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/asphyxiation. Accessed 7 Jun. 2024.
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