ventilate

[ ven-tl-eyt ]

verb (used with object)

, ven·ti·lat·ed, ven·ti·lat·ing.

1. to provide (a room, mine, etc.) with fresh air in place of air that has been used or contaminated.
2. Medicine/Medical.
   1. to oxygenate (blood) by exposure to air in the lungs or gills.
   2. to assist the breathing of (a person), as with a respirator.
3. (of air or wind) to circulate through or blow on, so as to cool or freshen the air of:

   Cool breezes ventilated the house.

4. to expose to the action of air or wind:

   to ventilate floor timbers.

5. to submit (a question, problem, etc.) to open, full examination and discussion.

   Synonyms: report, circulate, publicize, broadcast

6. to give utterance or expression to (an opinion, complaint, etc.).
7. to furnish with a vent or opening, as for the escape of air or gas.

verb (used without object)

, ven·ti·lat·ed, ven·ti·lat·ing.

1. to give utterance or expression to one's emotions, opinions, complaints, etc.

ventilate

/ ˈvɛntɪˌleɪt /

verb

1. to drive foul air out of (an enclosed area)
2. to provide with a means of airing
3. to expose (a question, grievance, etc) to public examination or discussion
4. physiol to oxygenate (the blood) in the capillaries of the lungs
5. to winnow (grain)

Derived Forms

• ˈventilable, adjective

Other Words From

• venti·la·ble adjective
• over·venti·late verb (used with object) overventilated overventilating
• re·venti·late verb (used with object) reventilated reventilating
• self-venti·lated adjective
• under·venti·late verb (used with object) underventilated underventilating
• under·venti·lated adjective
• un·venti·lated adjective
• well-venti·lated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ventilate¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English ventilatten “to blow (something) away,” from Latin ventilātus (past participle of ventilāre “to fan”), equivalent to vent(us) “wind” + -il- verb suffix (variant of -ul-, originally after derivatives of nouns ending in -ulus ) + -ātus suffix forming adjectives; -ule, -ate ¹; speculate, wind ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of ventilate¹

C15: from Latin ventilāre to fan, from ventulus diminutive of ventus wind

Example Sentences

Due to this, and the damage to his spine, Ryan had to be ventilated and had a tracheotomy to help with his breathing while he was in the coma.

From BBC

There are also other entry points for water around the boat known as "down-flooding points", which are there to allow the engine room to be ventilated, among other things.

From BBC

Multiple range experts told The Times last year that although mobile range fires appear to be rare, the buildup of unburned gunpowder at any range that isn’t adequately cleaned and ventilated can lead to fires.

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s spread more easily in poorly ventilated rooms.”

From Los Angeles Times

Kia also offers top trim levels for the Niro that come with upscale features such as ventilated front seats and a premium sound system.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• vent