The inability to breathe, causing unconsciousness or death because the body isn't getting enough oxygen.
From Greek 'a-' (without) plus 'sphyzein' (to throb or pulse). The ancient Greeks used this term to describe the loss of pulse and heartbeat from suffocation. It entered English in the 1700s as understanding of breathing and oxygen improved.
The Greeks didn't really understand oxygen—they thought asphyxiation meant losing your pulse! But they were onto something—your heart actually does beat differently when your body is starved of oxygen. Modern CPR techniques were developed specifically to restore oxygen flow after asphyxiation.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.