What does intubate mean?
To intubate is to insert a tube into a body passage, most often the trachea, in order to keep the airway open and permit controlled breathing. The procedure is especially associated with emergency medicine, anesthesia, surgery, and intensive care, where it may be needed after injury, respiratory failure, or during the use of muscle relaxants. Although the word can describe the insertion of a tube into other passages, its usual modern sense concerns securing the airway. In everyday discussion, the related noun intubation is more frequent than the verb. The term is technical rather than conversational, and its precise meaning depends on the body passage involved and the clinical purpose of the tube.
verbTo introduce a tube into a body passage, especially the trachea, to keep the airway open or support breathing and ventilation. It is most commonly used in emergency medicine, anesthesiology, and intensive care.
- To introduce a tube into the trachea or another body passage, typically to maintain an open airway or assist breathing.
"The medical team quickly intubated the patient to secure her airway."
"Paramedics intubated the injured man at the scene."
"The patient was intubated before surgery so that ventilation could be controlled."
When someone is intubated, a tube takes over part of the job of keeping the airway open so that air can reach the lungs.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does intubate come from?
The word derives from the Latin intubare, meaning “to insert a tube into.” Its components are the Latin prefix in-, meaning “into,” and tuba, meaning “tube” or “trumpet.” English developed both the specialized verb and the related noun intubation, with the medical use focused particularly on inserting a tube into the trachea.
Related word forms
How intubate is actually used
This is primarily a medical term. In emergency medicine, it usually refers specifically to placing a tube through the mouth or nose into the trachea; intubation is often the more common nominal form.