defibrillator

noun

de·​fi·​bril·​la·​tor (ˌ)dē-ˈfi-brə-ˌlā-tər How to pronounce defibrillator (audio)
: an electronic device that applies an electric shock to restore the rhythm of a fibrillating heart
defibrillate transitive verb
defibrillation noun

Examples of defibrillator in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The 50-plus major cruise lines that belong to CLIA go a step further and are required to train clinical staff members in advanced life support, and additionally have defibrillators, cardiac monitors, X-ray machines, and lab equipment onboard. Scott Laird, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Mar. 2024 Scot Pollard has two older siblings who have pacemakers and a defibrillator, and his mom’s father died from heart issues. Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 25 Jan. 2024 On Friday, Gaston County released two 911 calls that described some of the actions taken to save the life of the student, including CPR and using a defibrillator. Jeff A. Chamer, Charlotte Observer, 1 Mar. 2024 Beyond the surgery Pacemakers and defibrillators do require some maintenance. Virginia Singla, Discover Magazine, 15 Dec. 2023 When performed at the band’s shows, the song carries the emotional charge of a defibrillator serving its purpose. Aileen Goos, SPIN, 30 Nov. 2023 Medical personnel rushed in and tried to jump-start her heart using a defibrillator and life-saving medications, according to a state inspection document and an internal staffing report. Liz Kowalczyk and Felice J. Freyer — Boston Globe, STAT, 15 Feb. 2024 Year since Damar Hamlin:Heart Association wants defibrillators as common as extinguishers Hamlin made his debut this season in Week 10 against Denver in the Broncos' 24-22 win on Monday Night Football. Ayrton Ostly, USA TODAY, 5 Jan. 2024 For decades, medical experts and scientists have tried to shine a light on how to save the life of a person in cardiac arrest by using a defibrillator. Stephanie Kuzydym, The Courier-Journal, 2 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'defibrillator.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of defibrillator was in 1952

Dictionary Entries Near defibrillator

Cite this Entry

“Defibrillator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/defibrillator. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

defibrillator

noun
de·​fi·​bril·​la·​tor (ˈ)dē-ˈfib-rə-ˌlāt-ər How to pronounce defibrillator (audio) -ˈfīb- How to pronounce defibrillator (audio)
: an electronic device used to defibrillate a heart by applying an electric shock to it

More from Merriam-Webster on defibrillator

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