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
(ˌ)dē-ˈfi-brə-ˌlāt How to pronounce defibrillator (audio)
transitive verb
defibrillation
(ˌ)dē-ˌfi-brə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce defibrillator (audio)
noun

Examples of defibrillator in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The something that happens here is ketamine serving as a late-stage defibrillator. — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 5 June 2026 Surgery staff not using defibrillator pads. — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 7 June 2026 First responders arrived 20 minutes later and managed to stabilize David with a defibrillator. — Lexi Lane, PEOPLE, 21 June 2026 Eriksen is revived with a defibrillator and the game controversially continues with a 1-0 Finland win. — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for defibrillator

Word History

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of defibrillator was in 1952

Rhymes for defibrillator

See All Rhymes for defibrillator

Browse Nearby Words

defibrator
defibrillator
defibrinate
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Defibrillator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/defibrillator. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of defibrillator for Spanish Speakers

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