asphyxiate

Definition of asphyxiatenext
as in to strangle
to cause (someone) to stop breathing and often to become unconscious and die The murder victim was asphyxiated.

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of asphyxiate Adam gets off on being asphyxiated, while Ingeborg has hypersensitive fingertips to the extent of them effectively being her erogenous zone; gracing her hands against the fabric that’s wrapped her lover during his orgasm seems to set off her own. — Josh Slater-Williams, IndieWire, 11 Aug. 2026 The petition, which was granted by a federal judge, cited reports alleging that guards at the facility choked and asphyxiated Campos. — Armando Garcia, ABC News, 10 June 2026 The 10-mile-high plume asphyxiated around 200,000 residents but also preserved the city in remarkable detail. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 3 June 2026 The fine ash preserved the site but asphyxiated 200,000 residents. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for asphyxiate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for asphyxiate
Verb
  • In a counter claim, Xuan accused Diaz of being drunk at work and trying to strangle him.
    — James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The latest slate of attacks is strangling a recovery in movement throughout the strait that had been building for weeks.
    — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The guy went right to shore, the wife drowned while paddling around looking for him.
    — George Saunders, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2026
  • However, after Mitt drowns himself in the midst of a terminal illness, Jay goes diving in search of his father’s remains.
    — Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 18 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Asphyxiate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/asphyxiate. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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