intubate

American  

[in-too-beyt, -tyoo-] / ˈɪn tʊˌbeɪt, -tyʊ- /

verb (used with object)

Medicine/Medical.

intubated, intubating

1. to insert a tube into (the trachea, digestive tract, etc.).

2. to treat (a patient) by inserting a tube into the trachea, digestive tract, etc.

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intubate British  

/ ˈɪntjʊˌbeɪt /

verb

1. (tr) med to insert a tube or cannula into (a hollow organ); cannulate

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Other Word Forms

• intubation noun

Etymology

Origin of intubate

First recorded in 1605–15; equivalent to in- ² + tubate

Explanation

To intubate is to insert a tube into something or someone. This is usually a medical procedure, so don't try to intubate someone at home. See the word tube hiding in intubate? That's a clue that this is a word for inserting a tube somewhere, usually into a person for a medical purpose. Intubating is often performed on people who are having throat problems: the tube is inserted into the throat, allowing the patient to breathe. Other types of intubating may be used to feed a patient who is unable to eat.

Example Sentences

You can intubate any one of us, I think.

From Los Angeles Times • May 24, 2025

In serious cases, doctors might have to provide adrenaline to counteract the reaction or even intubate the patient.

From Scientific American • Sep. 23, 2023

Some doctors are more reluctant to intubate young patients; sometimes the patients themselves refuse it.

From New York Times • Oct. 6, 2022

“And then he called us on a Sunday. He was like, ‘They are about to intubate me because I can’t keep my oxygen up.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 13, 2022

"They intubate everyone and stick them on a ventilator for no reason, just 'out of precaution' as the doctor told me — without consent from the family. Tampa General Hospital is evil."

From Salon • Sep. 19, 2021