ClimateJuly 13, 2026
asphyxiation
/əˌsfɪk.siˈeɪ.ʃən/
Definition
The state of being deprived of oxygen, leading to unconsciousness or death, specifically through the inhalation of a suffocating gas.
Etymology
Derived from the Greek 'asphyxia', meaning 'stopping of the pulse', which combines 'a-' (without) and 'sphygmos' (pulse). It entered English in the late 18th century to describe the cessation of life due to a lack of oxygen.
In the news
In the article, the term describes the life-threatening danger posed to local communities if a CO₂ pipeline were to rupture and release an invisible, odorless gas.
Feds lower carbon capture project targets and offer new subsidies as costs double
Read the full article ↗Canada's National Observer