Asphyxiate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ต
asphyxiate
[ษsหfษชksiหeษชt ]
Definition
to cause someone to stop breathing
To asphyxiate means to cause someone to stop breathing and often result in death due to lack of oxygen. This can happen through choking, suffocation, or other means of cutting off the air supply.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| asphyxiate |
Usually used in medical or technical contexts to describe a condition where someone is deprived of oxygen, leading to unconsciousness or death.
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| choke |
Commonly used in everyday situations to describe someone having difficulty breathing because something is blocking their throat.
|
| suffocate |
Can be used in both literal and figurative senses; in a literal sense, it means to prevent someone from getting enough air, and in a figurative sense, it means to feel trapped or oppressed.
|
| strangle |
Often used to describe a violent act of pressing someone's throat to stop them from breathing, typically with one's hands or a rope. It has a negative and aggressive connotation.
|
Examples of usage
- The victim was asphyxiated by the smoke from the fire.
- He tried to asphyxiate his enemy by strangling him.
- The plastic bag over her head nearly asphyxiated her.
- The lack of oxygen in the room could asphyxiate anyone inside.
- The pillow was used to asphyxiate the victim.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Health
- Asphyxiation can be caused by choking, drowning, or obstructed airways, making it a critical emergency condition.
- In medical terms, respiratory failure occurs when the body doesnโt get enough oxygen, leading to potential organ damage.
- Cardiac arrest can sometimes follow severe asphyxiation, highlighting the urgent need for air and proper breathing.
Legal Context
- Asphyxiation is referenced in discussions of homicide, particularly in cases involving strangulation or smothering.
- Legal definitions often include asphyxiation when assessing danger, especially in domestic violence situations.
- Jurisdictions vary in how asphyxiation is treated under law, with some viewing it as a separate offense from other types of assault.
Cultural References
- In various films, asphyxiation is portrayed dramatically to highlight danger or suspense, creating tension for audiences.
- Songs have used the concept of asphyxiation metaphorically, often to describe emotional suffocation or despair.
- Art and literature sometimes explore themes of asphyxiation to illustrate deeper philosophical struggles with existence or constraint.
Safety Awareness
- First aid courses often teach the Heimlich maneuver as a response to choking which can lead to asphyxiation.
- Public awareness campaigns focus on safe practices to prevent asphyxiation, especially for children and in swimming scenarios.
- Training for emergency responders includes recognizing the signs of asphyxiation and knowing how to respond quickly.
Origin of 'asphyxiate'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Greek 'asphuxis,' meaning 'the stopping of the pulse,' reflecting its connection to breathing and life.
- The prefix 'a-' means 'without,' and 'phyxis' relates to 'pulse' or 'breath,' indicating a lack of breathing.
- It has been used in medical language since the early 17th century, indicating its long-standing presence in discussions about health.
The word 'asphyxiate' originates from the Greek word 'asphyxia', meaning 'stopping of the pulse'. It has been used in the English language since the mid-18th century. The concept of asphyxiation has been recognized for centuries as a cause of death, with various methods of execution involving suffocation or strangulation.