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Heimlich manoeuvre

British  
/ ˈhaɪmlɪk /

noun

  1. Also called: abdominal thrust.  a technique in first aid to dislodge a foreign body in a person's windpipe by applying sudden upward pressure on the upper abdomen

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of Heimlich manoeuvre

C20: named after Henry J. Heimlich (born 1920), American surgeon

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Zero line-breaks is a stat that will stick in the throat until the rugby equivalent of the Heimlich manoeuvre is performed on this Scotland team.

From BBC Feb. 13, 2026

She also vowed to learn how to peform the Heimlich manoeuvre - which involves abdominal thrusts from behind - "in case I ever come across anybody who needs my help".

From BBC Nov. 24, 2025

She praised her hair and make-up artist Jane Green for being ready, willing and able to dislodge the blockage by performing the Heimlich manoeuvre.

From BBC Nov. 24, 2025

The actor reportedly saw that Mr John was in difficulty and performed the Heimlich manoeuvre on him.

From BBC Feb. 8, 2014

I handed Madeleine's doctor's business card to anyone who looked after her, and offered to go over CPR training, or demonstrate the Heimlich manoeuvre on Big Bird.

From The Guardian Jul. 20, 2013

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