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

Examples of Heimlich maneuver in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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

How to do the Heimlich maneuver on yourself Your respiratory tract and digestive system are in pretty close proximity. —Julia Sullivan, SELF, 9 July 2024

Knowing how to perform the Heimlich maneuver on someone who is choking can save their life.3 What Is Choking? —Jenny Sweigard, Verywell Health, 1 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Henry J. Heimlich born1920 American surgeon

First Known Use

1974, in the meaning defined above

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