cardiac arrest

noun

: temporary or permanent cessation of the heartbeat

Examples of cardiac arrest in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Cardiac arrest survival rates are low, with about 10% of patients surviving a cardiac arrest outside of the hospital, according to the American Heart Association. Alexandra Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 26 Feb. 2026 Langford initially survived the stabbing and identified her attacker before dying of cardiac arrest on the way to emergency surgery. Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 24 Feb. 2026 The initiative was born out of the American Heart Association’s Nation of Lifesavers, a Tarrant County group working to improve cardiac arrest survival rates. Ciara McCarthy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Feb. 2026 The American Heart Association says hands-only CPR can double or even triple a person's chance of survival when performed immediately after cardiac arrest. Amelia Mugavero, CBS News, 22 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cardiac arrest

Word History

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cardiac arrest was in 1873

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Cite this Entry

“Cardiac arrest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cardiac%20arrest. Accessed 8 Mar. 2026.

Medical Definition

cardiac arrest

noun
: abrupt temporary or permanent cessation of the heartbeat (as from ventricular fibrillation or asystole)

called also sudden cardiac arrest

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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