Definition

A serious condition where the body does not get enough oxygen, which can lead to unconsciousness or death. This can happen due to choking, drowning, or breathing in harmful gases.

Example

The firefighters rescued the child from asphyxia after the smoke filled the room.

Conversation

Did you hear about that incident where someone almost suffered from asphyxia?

Yeah, that's really scary! What happened exactly?

They were trapped in a small space without enough air.

That sounds terrifying; I can't imagine going through something like that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Asphyxia is derived from the Greek roots "a-" (meaning without) and "sphyxis" (meaning pulse or breathing). The term describes a condition where there is a lack of breathing or pulse, leading to suffocation or oxygen deprivation.

Memory Tip

Think of 'without' ('a-') and 'breathing' ('sphyxis') to remember that asphyxia refers to a state of not being able to breathe.

Visually Confused Words