asphyxiation

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the condition of being deprived of enough oxygen to breathe or remain conscious

   The sealed room created a serious risk of asphyxiation.

2. 2
   noun

   unconsciousness or death caused by a lack of oxygen

   Investigators concluded that the victim died from smoke-induced asphyxiation.

From asphyxiate + -ion. Asphyxiate is based on Greek asphyxia, literally "stopping of the pulse," from a- ("without") + sphygmos ("pulse"); in modern use the word shifted to oxygen deprivation and suffocation.

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