1. to kill or make unconscious by preventing breathing or depriving of oxygen

Examples

• The victim was asphyxiated by carbon monoxide from the faulty heater.
• Dense smoke can asphyxiate people trapped in burning buildings.
• The plastic bag warning label states it could asphyxiate small children.
• Rescue workers found the miners had been asphyxiated by toxic gases.
• The detective determined the suspect had been asphyxiated, not poisoned.
• Safety regulations prevent workers from being asphyxiated in confined spaces.