defibrillate Definition
- 1to stop the fibrillation of (a heart) and restore normal contractions through the application of an electric shock.
- 2to eliminate fibrillation in (a muscle) by the application of a high-frequency electric current.
Using defibrillate: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "defibrillate" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The paramedics defibrillated the patient's heart to restore normal rhythm.
Example
The doctor will defibrillate the patient if necessary during surgery.
Example
The athlete's leg muscles were defibrillated to reduce pain and improve function.
defibrillate Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for defibrillate
Phrases with defibrillate
external defibrillator
a portable device that delivers an electric shock to the heart to restore its normal rhythm
Example
The airport has an external defibrillator available for emergencies.
implantable cardioverter-defibrillator
a small device that is implanted under the skin of the chest and connected to the heart to monitor and correct abnormal heart rhythms
Example
The patient with a history of heart disease had an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator inserted.
the minimum amount of energy required to restore normal heart rhythm through defibrillation
Example
The defibrillation threshold was higher than expected, requiring multiple shocks to restore normal rhythm.
Origins of defibrillate
from de- 'remove' + fibrillation, from fibrilla 'small fiber'
Summary: defibrillate in Brief
To 'defibrillate' [dih-fib-ruh-leyt] means to restore normal contractions of the heart or muscle by applying an electric shock. It is commonly used in medical settings to revive patients experiencing cardiac arrest or muscle fibrillation. Examples include 'The paramedics defibrillated the patient's heart to restore normal rhythm.' 'Defibrillate' extends into phrases like 'external defibrillator,' which is a portable device that delivers an electric shock to the heart to restore its normal rhythm.
