asphyxiate

verb

1. 1

   be asphyxiated; die from lack of oxygen

   The child suffocated under the pillow

2. 2

   impair the respiration of or obstruct the air passage of

   The foul air was slowly suffocating the children

3. 3

   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