Asphyxiate

Pronunciation: /æˈsfɪksiːˌeɪt/

Asphyxiate (verb)

  1. To cause someone to die or become unconscious by preventing enough oxygen from reaching the body.
  2. To make breathing fail because air cannot enter the lungs or oxygen levels become too low.

Examples

  • The smoke can asphyxiate a person quickly.
  • A blocked airway may asphyxiate the patient.