Ventilate: meaning, definitions and examples

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ventilate

 

[ ˈvɛntɪleɪt ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

room

To cause air to enter and circulate freely in a room or building, typically by means of windows or vents.

Synonyms

aerate, air out, freshen up.

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Word Description / Examples
ventilate

This word is commonly used in scientific or healthcare settings, as well as when there is a need to remove harmful gases or ensure proper airflow in enclosed spaces.

  • The hospital rooms are well-ventilated to prevent the spread of infections.
  • It is important to ventilate the laboratory after conducting experiments with chemicals.
air out

This is a more casual term, often used in everyday situations for removing bad smells or making a room feel fresher.

  • Let's air out this room; it smells musty.
  • I left my shoes outside to air out overnight.
freshen up

Frequently used in the context of making something feel new or clean again. This can refer to rooms, clothes, oneself, etc.

  • I'll freshen up a bit before dinner.
  • You should freshen up the guest bedroom before they arrive.
aerate

Primarily used in agriculture, gardening, and occasionally in cooking or brewing when referring to air being introduced into a substance.

  • You need to aerate the lawn to promote healthy grass growth.
  • Aerate the wine to enhance its flavor before serving.

Examples of usage

  • She opened the windows to ventilate the stuffy room.
  • The HVAC system helps to ventilate the entire building effectively.
Context #2 | Verb

medical

To provide with fresh air or oxygen, especially in a medical setting.

Synonyms

breathe for, oxygenate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ventilate

Also used in a medical context to mean providing artificial respiration to someone who cannot breathe on their own. This is more technical and often used by healthcare professionals.

  • The doctors had to ventilate the patient to maintain proper oxygen levels.
  • The new equipment is designed to ventilate patients more efficiently.
oxygenate

Refers specifically to the process of supplying or enriching with oxygen. This is often used in medical and scientific contexts.

  • The process aims to oxygenate the blood to ensure the cells receive enough oxygen.
  • Special treatments can help oxygenate the tissues more effectively.
breathe for

Typically used in medical contexts to describe manually or mechanically assisting someone who is unable to breathe on their own.

  • The healthcare provider had to breathe for the patient until they arrived at the hospital.
  • In severe cases, machines may breathe for the patient during surgery.

Examples of usage

  • The patient was ventilated in the intensive care unit.
  • The paramedics quickly ventilated the victim at the scene of the accident.

Translations

Translations of the word "ventilate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ventilar

🇮🇳 वातानुकूलित करना

🇩🇪 lüften

🇮🇩 mengudara

🇺🇦 вентилювати

🇵🇱 wietrzyć

🇯🇵 換気する (かんきする)

🇫🇷 aérer

🇪🇸 ventilar

🇹🇷 havalandırmak

🇰🇷 환기하다 (hwangihada)

🇸🇦 تهوية (tahwiya)

🇨🇿 větrat

🇸🇰 vetrať

🇨🇳 通风 (tōngfēng)

🇸🇮 zračiti

🇮🇸 lofta út

🇰🇿 желдету

🇬🇪 განიავება (ganiaweba)

🇦🇿 havalandırmaq

🇲🇽 ventilar

Etymology

The word 'ventilate' is derived from the Latin word 'ventilare', which means 'to fan or agitate air'. The concept of ventilating spaces has been important throughout history, from ancient civilizations using natural ventilation techniques to modern HVAC systems. Proper ventilation is crucial for maintaining air quality and promoting a healthy environment.

See also: invent, prevent, vent, ventilation, ventral, venture.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,591, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.