-ēˌāt, usu -ād.+V verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: New Latin asphyxia + English -ate
transitive verb
: to cause asphyxia in : kill, suspend animation in, or make unconscious through want of adequate oxygen, presence of noxious agents, or other obstruction to normal breathing
asphyxiated by carbon monoxide in the garage
intransitive verb
: to suffer asphyxia : die, be overcome, or faint typically because of noxious gas or want of adequate oxygen
the rescue squad almost asphyxiated
Synonyms: see suffocate