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: the manual application of sudden upward pressure on the upper abdomen of a choking victim to force a foreign object from the trachea
Examples of Heimlich maneuver in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
But if the Bucs stumble in the next five weeks — or someone saves the Falcons with the Heimlich maneuver — this would be Exhibit A in the case against the head coach.
—John Romano, Orlando Sentinel, 2 Dec. 2024
If a child swallows a battery, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia also warns against trying to induce vomiting, giving any medication, drinking milk or water or trying the Heimlich maneuver.
—Adrianna Rodriguez, USA TODAY, 28 Nov. 2024
Quick thinking: 'That was the governor?' Sununu, who had been addressing the crowd earlier, noticed that Moreno was in distress, and quickly intervened, wrapping his arms around Moreno and performing the Heimlich maneuver.
—Max Hauptman, USA TODAY, 10 Sep. 2024
Elizabeth Banks wants to spread the gospel of the Heimlich maneuver after a scary choking incident on set.
—Lauren Huff, EW.com, 30 July 2024
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Word History
Etymology
Henry J. Heimlich born1920 American surgeon
First Known Use
1974, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of Heimlich maneuver was
in 1974
Dictionary Entries Near Heimlich maneuver
Cite this Entry
“Heimlich maneuver.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Heimlich%20maneuver. Accessed 24 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
Heimlich maneuver
noun
Heim·lich maneuver
ˈhīm-lik-
: a method for forcing an object out the airway of a choking person that involves standing behind the person with arms wrapped about the person's waist and applying sudden upward pressure with the fist to the area directly above the navel
Etymology
named after Henry J. Heimlich, an American surgeon born in 1920
Medical Definition
Heimlich maneuver
noun
Heim·lich maneuver
ˈhīm-lik-
: the manual application of sudden upward pressure on the upper abdomen of a choking victim to force a foreign object from the trachea
More from Merriam-Webster on Heimlich maneuver
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Heimlich maneuver
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