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Definition of breathalyze

breathalyze

/ˈbreθ.ə.laɪz/
(UK: breathalyse)
breath · a · lyze
Past Simple:breathalyzed
•
Past Participle:breathalyzed
•
Present Participle:breathalyzing
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breathalyze Lexical Profile

breathalyze Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

American To test the breath of a person using a breathalyzer in order to estimate blood alcohol content.

Example

"The police officer decided to breathalyze the driver after noticing the car swerving across the lane."

• Nearby Words

breath
breathability
breathable
breathalyze
breathalyzer
breathe
breather

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the 1960s as a back-formation from "Breathalyzer," a trademarked name formed by blending "breath" and "analyzer."

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Breathalyze. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/breathalyze
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