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asphyxie

asphyxia

noun as-feek-SEE Rare
Body & Health Health & Illness

Origin: Greek asphyxia, from a- 'without' + sphyxis 'pulse'

Also means

suffocation

Usage Note

Asphyxie refers to a dangerous lack of oxygen leading to unconsciousness or death. It is used both in medical contexts and figuratively — l'asphyxie économique describes an economy being strangled by debt or sanctions. The verb form asphyxier means 'to asphyxiate' or 'to stifle'.

Examples

"L'asphyxie peut survenir en quelques minutes."

Natural Translation

Asphyxia can occur within a few minutes.

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