Which word best matches the meaning of want best used in this sentence?

(Many a time we were near suffocation, from the want of fresh air.)

What are your choices? What is your answer?

The word "want" in this sentence refers to a lack or absence of something. In this particular context, it refers to the lack or absence of fresh air. So, the word that best matches the meaning of "want" in this sentence would be "lack" or "absence".