inhale
in-HAIL
/ɪnˈheɪl/
To draw air, vapor, smoke, or gas into the lungs by breathing.
Describes the physical pulmonary act of drawing air inward.
The story behind the word. Formed from Latin 'inhalare' (to breathe upon or draw breath into), from 'in-' (in) and 'halare' (to breathe). It entered English medical literature during the 18th century as a technical term for pulmonary intake.
Word relationships
- breathe in: 'Breathe in' is the everyday phrasal verb; 'inhale' is the formal single-word medical and scientific term.
- inspire: 'Inspire' is the formal physiological term for inhaling, though rarely used outside medical textbooks today.
- exhale: Exhale means to breathe air out from the lungs.
Commonly confused with
- exhale: Inhale draws breath into the lungs; exhale blows breath out.
Word family
- inhalation (noun): The action of inhaling air or vapors into the lungs.
- inhaler (noun): A medical device used to deliver medication into the lungs by breathing.
Collocations
- inhale deeply
- accidental inhalation
- inhale toxic fumes
- inhale air
Example sentences
- "Residents were cautioned not to inhale the thick smoke rising from the chemical warehouse fire." Public Safety Advisory
- "When asthma patients inhale fine particulate soot, their bronchial airways constrict rapidly." Respiratory Medicine
Memory hook
INhale = breathe IN. EXhale = breathe out (EXIT). Inhale = Breathe air into the lungs.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'exhale', which means breathing air out.
Fun facts
- An average adult inhales approximately 11,000 liters of air every single day.
Related words
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