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

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

He had been in the intensive care unit for about two weeks, and by the end of his second, the unit’s physician, with the patient’s consent, made the decision to intubate him.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 1, 2021

"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