asphyxiate
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /æˈsfɪkʃiˌeɪt/
KK: /æˈsfɪkʃiˌeɪt/
intransitive verb
Definition
To experience a lack of air, leading to suffocation.
Example
The patient began to asphyxiate due to the smoke in the room.
Tense Forms
Past: asphyxiated
Past Participle: asphyxiated
Conversation
I heard that if you put a plastic bag over your head, it can asphyxiate you really quickly.
Wow, that's really dangerous! Why would anyone do that?
I guess some people don't realize how serious it is until it's too late.
Exactly! It's important to always be aware of safety.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
suffocate
choke
strangle
Antonyms
breathe
inhale
revive
transitive verb
Definition
To cause someone to stop breathing or to suffocate them, often by blocking their air supply.
Example
The smoke from the fire began to asphyxiate the trapped residents.
Tense Forms
Past: asphyxiated
Past Participle: asphyxiated
Conversation
Did you hear about that accident at the factory?
Yeah, they said some fumes could asphyxiate people if they weren't careful.
That's really scary! I can't believe how dangerous that can be.
Root Explanation
Asphyxiate → It is formed from "a-" (meaning without) and "sphyx" (from Greek "sphyxis", meaning pulse or to choke). The word describes the condition of being without a pulse due to choking or suffocation.
Memory Tip
Think of being 'without' ('a-') a 'pulse' ('sphyx') — that's why asphyxiate means to choke or suffocate.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.