defibrillator

noun

de·​fi·​bril·​la·​tor (ˌ)dē-ˈfi-brə-ˌlā-tər 

: an electronic device that applies an electric shock to restore the rhythm of a fibrillating heart

defibrillate

(ˌ)dē-ˈfi-brə-ˌlāt 

transitive verb

defibrillation

(ˌ)dē-ˌfi-brə-ˈlā-shən 

noun

Examples of defibrillator in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The man had a notable history of having gone through multiple defibrillators and revisions, including getting a new generator in 2018. —Ars Technica, 19 Mar. 2025

While the defibrillator’s pads were put on the pilot in the cockpit, the equipment ended up not being used, according to the outlet. —Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 10 Mar. 2025

Confusing: how Caine can MacGyver a defibrillator in a way that harms a villain but not himself. —Gregory Nussen, Deadline, 8 Mar. 2025

Police officers administered both CPR and a defibrillator and detected a pulse — then a fire-rescue lieutenant gave her Narcan, a medicine that can save someone from a fentanyl or opioid overdose. —Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 28 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for defibrillator

• accelerator
• accumulator
• adjudicator
• administrator
• appropriator
• articulator
• attenuator
• bronchodilator
• collaborator
• communicator
• conciliator
• cooperator

Medical Definition

defibrillator

noun

de·​fi·​bril·​la·​tor (ˈ)dē-ˈfib-rə-ˌlāt-ər  -ˈfīb- 

: an electronic device used to defibrillate a heart by applying an electric shock to it