asphyxiate
UK: əsˈfɪksieɪt | US: əsˈfɪksieɪt
vt. to cause someone to become unconscious or die by depriving them of oxygen
vi. to suffocate or be deprived of oxygen
asphyxiate = a<without> + sphyx<pulse> + iate<verb suffix>
- a<without>: A Greek prefix meaning "without" or "not."
- sphyx<pulse>: From Greek sphyxis (pulse), referring to the stoppage of pulse or breathing.
- iate<verb suffix>: A verb-forming suffix indicating causation or process.
Etymology Origin:
The word asphyxiate traces back to Greek asphyxia ("stopping of the pulse"), combining a- (without) + sphyxis (pulse). It entered English via New Latin asphyxiare, evolving to describe suffocation due to oxygen deprivation. The modern sense reflects the literal and medical understanding of life depending on breath and circulation.
The toxic fumes can asphyxiate anyone trapped in the confined space.
Without proper ventilation, the room could asphyxiate its occupants.
Rescue teams worked swiftly to prevent the victims from asphyxiating.
Certain chemicals may asphyxiate by displacing oxygen in the blood.
The diver nearly asphyxiated after his oxygen tank malfunctioned.