insufflate

[ in-suhf-leyt, in-suh-fleyt ]

verb (used with object)

, in·suf·flat·ed, in·suf·flat·ing.

1. to blow or breathe (something) in.
2. Medicine/Medical. to blow (air or a medicinal substance) into some opening or upon some part of the body.
3. Ecclesiastical. to breathe upon, especially upon one being baptized or upon the water of baptism.

insufflate

/ ˈɪnsʌˌfleɪt /

verb

1. tr to breathe or blow (something) into (a room, area, etc)
2. med to blow (air, medicated powder, etc) into the lungs or into a body cavity
3. tr to breathe or blow upon (someone or something) as a ritual or sacramental act, esp so as to symbolize the influence of the Holy Spirit

Derived Forms

• ˌinsufˈflation, noun
• ˈinsufˌflator, noun

Other Words From

• insuf·flation noun
• insuf·flator noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of insufflate¹

First recorded in 1650–60; from Late Latin insufflātus, past participle of insufflāre “to blow into or on”; in- ², sufflate

Related Words

• puff
• smell
• sniff
• snort
• suck in