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
a :  to examine, discuss, or investigate freely and openly :  expose <ventilating family quarrels in public>
b :  to make public :  utter <ventilated their objections at length>
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
First Known Use: 15th century

Rhymes with VENTILATE

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VENTILATE 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
a :  oxygenate, aerate <ventilate blood in the lungs> b :  to subject the lungs of (an individual) to ventilation <artifically ventilate a patient in respiratory distress>
3
:  to give verbal expression to (as mental or emotional conflicts)

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