'asphyxiate' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'asphyxia,' where 'a-' meant 'without' and 'sphyxis' meant 'pulse.'

'asphyxia' transformed into the French word 'asphyxier,' and eventually became the modern English word 'asphyxiate' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'without a pulse,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to suffocate or cause to stop breathing.'