'asphyxiator' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'asphyxía', where 'a-' meant 'not' and 'sphygm' (from σφυγμός) meant 'pulse'.

'asphyxiator' developed in English from the verb 'asphyxiate' (itself from late Latin/Greek roots and via French forms) by adding the agent suffix '-ator', producing the modern English noun 'asphyxiator'.

Initially related to the Greek notion of 'without pulse' (the condition of asphyxia), the term evolved to denote agents or means that cause suffocation: 'an agent that causes asphyxia'.