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Definition of asphyxia

asphyxia

/æsˈfɪk.si.ə/
as · phyx · i · a
Plural:asphyxias
•
Adjective:asphyxial
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asphyxia Lexical Profile

asphyxia Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A severe condition in which the body is deprived of oxygen and accumulates excess carbon dioxide, leading to unconsciousness or death; suffocation.

Example

"Medical examiners determined that the cause of death was acute asphyxia resulting from smoke inhalation."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for asphyxia

• Rhymes for asphyxia

• Nearby Words

asperger
asperger's
asphalt
asphyxia
asphyxiate
asphyxiation
aspic

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the early 18th century from New Latin, from Ancient Greek asphyxia ('stopping of the pulse'), formed from a- ('without') and sphyxis ('pulse, heartbeat'). Originally referring to the cessation of the pulse, its meaning shifted to oxygen deprivation via suffocation.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Asphyxia. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/asphyxia
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