Word
asphyxiation
Phoneticsas·phyx·i·a·tion
UK/ɐsfˌɪksɪˈeɪʃən/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. not being able to breathe, so your body does not get enough air. It can make you faint or die.
n. severe oxygen deprivation resulting from impaired or blocked breathing, often leading to unconsciousness or death.
Examples
“Asphyxiation happens when someone cannot breathe for too long.”
“The lifeguard warned that holding your breath too long underwater can lead to asphyxiation.”
“The report attributed the miner's death to asphyxiation after toxic gases displaced oxygen in the sealed tunnel.”
Examples
simple
“Asphyxiation happens when someone cannot breathe for too long.”
contextual
“The lifeguard warned that holding your breath too long underwater can lead to asphyxiation.”
complex
“The report attributed the miner's death to asphyxiation after toxic gases displaced oxygen in the sealed tunnel.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “asphyxiation” in context.
Verb
01. asphyxiation kills
“Asphyxiation kills silently by depriving the brain of oxygen.”
noun + verb
02. asphyxiation occurs
“Asphyxiation occurs when the airway is blocked or oxygen is depleted.”
noun + verb
03. cause asphyxiation
“Smoke and toxic fumes can quickly cause asphyxiation in enclosed spaces.”
verb + noun
04. die from asphyxiation
“The victim was found to have died from asphyxiation.”
verb + prep + noun
05. induce asphyxiation
“Choking on food can induce asphyxiation within minutes without first aid.”
verb + noun
Adjective
06. accidental asphyxiation
“Two infants died from accidental asphyxiation after becoming trapped in bedding.”
adj + noun
07. fatal asphyxiation
“The coroner ruled the death was caused by fatal asphyxiation in the confined tank.”
adj + noun
Noun
08. danger of asphyxiation
“Plastic bags carry a clear danger of asphyxiation for small children.”
noun + prep + noun
09. death by asphyxiation
“The inquiry confirmed death by asphyxiation due to smoke inhalation.”
noun + prep + noun
10. at risk of asphyxiation
“Miners trapped underground are at risk of asphyxiation.”
11. cause death by asphyxiation
“Carbon monoxide can cause death by asphyxiation without warning.”
12. death was due to asphyxiation
“The pathologist concluded that death was due to asphyxiation.”
Real-World Examples
“Four people died, three of asphyxiation, during late night street celebrations in Mexico City after hundreds of thousands of fans gathered along the capital's main central avenue as Mexico beat Ecuador to win their first World Cup knockout match in 40 years.” “On Wednesday, United Nations specialists called on U.S. officials to stop the impending execution of a prisoner via nitrogen asphyxiation, warning that this untested technique could expose to "cruel inhuman degrading treatment or even torture.” “Victims experienced symptoms including redness of the eyes, foaming from the mouth, constricted pupils, blue facial skin and lips, severe shortness of breath and asphyxiation, it added.” Etymology
From asphyxiate + -ion.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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