First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
ventilate
verb ven·ti·late \ˈven-tə-ˌlāt\
: to allow fresh air to enter and move through (a room, building, etc.)
: to express or discuss (something) openly or publicly
ven·ti·lat·edven·ti·lat·ing
Full Definition of VENTILATE
transitive verb
1
2
archaic : to free from chaff by winnowing
3
a : to expose to air and especially to a current of fresh air for purifying, curing, or refreshing <ventilate stored grain>; also : oxygenate, aerate <ventilate blood in the lungs> b : to subject the lungs to ventilation <artificially ventilate a patient in respiratory distress>
4
a of a current of air : to pass or circulate through so as to freshen b : to cause fresh air to circulate through (as a room or mine)
5
: to provide an opening in (a burning structure) to permit escape of smoke and heat
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Origin of VENTILATE
Middle English, discussed, aired, from Late Latin ventilatus, past participle of ventilare, from Latin, to fan, winnow, from ventus wind — more at wind
Related to VENTILATE
Rhymes with VENTILATE
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VENTILATING Defined for Kids
ventilate
verb ven·ti·late \ˈven-tə-ˌlāt\
ven·ti·lat·edven·ti·lat·ing
Definition of VENTILATE for Kids
1
: to let in air and especially a current of fresh air <Windows ventilate the room.>
2
: to provide with fresh air <Keep the plants ventilated.>
3
: to discuss freely and openly <You should ventilate your complaints.>
Medical Dictionary
ventilate
transitive verb ven·ti·late \ˈvent-əl-ˌāt\
ven·ti·lat·edven·ti·lat·ing
Medical Definition of VENTILATE
1
: to expose to air and especially to a current of fresh air for purifying or refreshing
2
3
: to give verbal expression to (as mental or emotional conflicts)
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