Asphyxiation: meaning, definitions and examples

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asphyxiation

[əsˌfɪk.siˈeɪʃən ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

cause of death

Asphyxiation is a condition of severely deficient supply of oxygen to the body that arises from abnormal breathing. It can cause unconsciousness or death if not corrected promptly.

Synonyms

choking, strangulation, suffocation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
asphyxiation	Used in medical or formal contexts to describe a condition where a person is deprived of oxygen, leading to unconsciousness or death. The victim died of asphyxiation due to carbon monoxide poisoning
suffocation	Refers to a condition where breathing is impaired due to an obstruction or lack of air, and is commonly used in everyday language. The child almost suffocated after getting trapped in the storage chest
strangulation	Used to describe situations where the neck is compressed, often by hands or a ligature, limiting airflow or blood flow. It has a negative, violent connotation. The detective concluded that the cause of death was strangulation
choking	Used in everyday situations to refer to the obstruction of the airway, often by swallowing something that gets stuck in the throat. He started choking on a piece of steak at dinner

Examples of usage

She died of asphyxiation due to carbon monoxide poisoning.
The cause of death was determined to be asphyxiation.
If a person is in a poorly ventilated area, they may be at risk of asphyxiation.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

medical emergency

Asphyxiation is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention to restore normal breathing and oxygen supply.

Synonyms

choking, strangulation, suffocation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
asphyxiation	Typically used in a medical or technical context to describe the condition of being deprived of oxygen, leading to unconsciousness or death. The victim died of asphyxiation due to carbon monoxide poisoning
suffocation	Refers to the act of being deprived of air or unable to breathe, often used in both accidental and intentional scenarios. It can cover a broader range of situations compared to 'asphyxiation'. She nearly died from suffocation after getting trapped under the rubble
strangulation	Used mainly in a violent or criminal context to describe the act of severely constricting the neck, leading to asphyxia. It carries a negative connotation due to its association with violence. The detective concluded that the cause of death was strangulation
choking	Often used in everyday language to describe the act of having an airway blocked, usually by food or a foreign object, causing difficulty in breathing. He started choking on a piece of steak and needed the Heimlich maneuver

Examples of usage

The first aid training included techniques to prevent asphyxiation.
Prompt action is crucial in cases of asphyxiation.
The signs of asphyxiation should not be ignored.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term comes from Greek, where 'a-' means 'without' and 'sphyxis' means 'pulse', indicating a lack of breathing.
It started being used in English around the 17th century, originally referring to near suffocation or choking.

Medical Knowledge

Asphyxiation can occur from choking, drowning, or breathing in harmful gases, blocking oxygen from reaching the lungs.
Loss of consciousness can happen in just a few seconds without oxygen, leading to brain damage if not corrected quickly.
In cases of asphyxiation due to choking, the Heimlich maneuver can help dislodge objects blocking the airway.

Pop Culture

Many horror films use asphyxiation as a plot device, creating tension and fear, illustrating its life-threatening nature.
Songs and literature sometimes explore themes of suffocation, using it as a metaphor for feeling trapped or unable to express oneself.

Psychology

Some experiences related to asphyxiation lead to trauma, which can cause anxiety or phobias about choking or being unable to breathe.
Research indicates that trauma from asphyxiation events can lead to long-term impacts on mental health, including PTSD.

Environmental Science

Air pollution can lead to conditions that mimic asphyxiation, as harmful particles can restrict airflow and reduce oxygen availability.
Certain gases, like carbon monoxide, can cause asphyxiation even in high concentrations without immediately noticeable symptoms.

Translations

Translations of the word "asphyxiation" in other languages:

🇵🇹 asfixia

🇮🇳 घुटन

🇩🇪 Erstickung

🇮🇩 asfiksia

🇺🇦 задуха

🇵🇱 uduszenie

🇯🇵 窒息 (ちっそく)

🇫🇷 asphyxie

🇪🇸 asfixia

🇹🇷 boğulma

🇰🇷 질식 (jilsik)

🇸🇦 اختناق

🇨🇿 udušení

🇸🇰 udusenie

🇨🇳 窒息 (zhìxí)

🇸🇮 zadušitev

🇮🇸 kæfisjúkdómur

🇰🇿 тұншығу

🇬🇪 მოხრჩობა

🇦🇿 boğulma

🇲🇽 asfixia

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,028 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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31025 serif
31026 edify
31027 lordosis
31028 asphyxiation
31029 sunstroke
31030 stultifying
31031 cohabit
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