Word
defibrillator
Phoneticsde·fib·ril·la·tor, stress on the second syllable
US/diˈfɪbɹɪˌɫeɪtɝ/
UK/dɪfˈɪbɹɪlˌeɪtɐ/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a medical machine that gives the heart a controlled electric shock to help it start beating normally again. You often see one on the wall in airports, gyms and schools for emergencies.
n. a medical device that delivers a controlled electric shock to the heart to restore normal rhythm during cardiac arrest or life-threatening arrhythmia. Includes manual hospital units and automated public-access models designed for use by trained laypeople.
Examples
“The gym keeps a defibrillator near the front desk.”
“When the runner collapsed on the track, a coach grabbed the wall-mounted defibrillator and followed its voice prompts.”
“Modern public-access defibrillators analyse heart rhythm automatically and deliver a shock only when needed, allowing bystanders with minimal training to intervene before paramedics arrive.”
Examples
simple
“The gym keeps a defibrillator near the front desk.”
contextual
“When the runner collapsed on the track, a coach grabbed the wall-mounted defibrillator and followed its voice prompts.”
complex
“Modern public-access defibrillators analyse heart rhythm automatically and deliver a shock only when needed, allowing bystanders with minimal training to intervene before paramedics arrive.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “defibrillator” in context.
Verb
01. defibrillator delivers
“The defibrillator delivers a controlled electric shock to restore normal rhythm.”
noun + verb
02. defibrillator restores
“If applied quickly, the defibrillator restores a normal heartbeat.”
noun + verb
03. deploy defibrillator
“The crew deployed the defibrillator within two minutes of the collapse.”
verb + noun
04. implant defibrillator
“Surgeons can implant a defibrillator to correct life-threatening heart rhythms.”
verb + noun
05. install defibrillator
“The school plans to install a defibrillator in the main sports hall.”
verb + noun
Adjective
06. automated defibrillator
“The gym has an automated defibrillator that gives voice instructions in emergencies.”
adj + noun
07. external defibrillator
“Staff were trained to operate the external defibrillator mounted by reception.”
adj + noun
08. implantable defibrillator
“She had an implantable defibrillator fitted after her cardiac arrest last year.”
adj + noun
Noun
09. access to defibrillator
“Immediate access to a defibrillator dramatically improves survival rates.”
noun + prep + noun
10. grab the nearest defibrillator
“Grab the nearest defibrillator while I call emergency services.”
11. have a defibrillator implanted
“He had a defibrillator implanted after two sudden cardiac episodes.”
12. keep a defibrillator on site
“By law, large gyms must keep a defibrillator on site.”
Real-World Examples
“An appeal has been launched to raise £400,000 to replace and upgrade 288 defibrillators to help provide life-saving care.” “Public access defibrillators, alongside CPR, can provide immediate life-saving support when someone is in cardiac arrest and waiting for an ambulance.” “An elderly man who had a cardiac arrest at a Lancashire tennis club has praised his friend for "being willing and able to have a go" with a defibrillator that saved his life.” “If there is no AED immediately available, you can keep a person alive by performing CPR until a defibrillator becomes available or the emergency services take over.” Etymology
From defibrillate + -or.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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