asphyxiating Meaning, Definition & Usage

1. verb deprive of oxygen and prevent from breathing
   asphyxiate; suffocate; smother.
   
   • Othello smothered Desdemona with a pillow
   • The child suffocated herself with a plastic bag that the parents had left on the floor
2. verb impair the respiration of or obstruct the air passage of
   stifle; suffocate; asphyxiate; choke.
   
   • The foul air was slowly suffocating the children
3. verb be asphyxiated; die from lack of oxygen
   stifle; suffocate; asphyxiate.
   
   • The child suffocated under the pillow
4. adjective satellite tending to deprive of oxygen
   
   • asphyxiating gasses

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