definition of
asphyxiate

[1] #1 asphyxiate v. [smother, suffocate] deprive of oxygen and prevent from breathing; "Othello smothered Desdemona with a pillow"; "The child suffocated herself with a plastic bag that the parents had left on the floor". wn

[2] #2 asphyxiate v. [suffocate, stifle, choke] impair the respiration of or obstruct the air passage of; "The foul air was slowly suffocating the children". wn

[3] #3 asphyxiate v. [suffocate, stifle] be asphyxiated; die from lack of oxygen; "The child suffocated under the pillow". wn