Breathalyzer - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A breathalyzer is a device used to measure blood alcohol content by analyzing a person's breath. It is commonly employed by law enforcement to check for drunk driving.
Definition:
A device used to measure alcohol concentration in a person's breath, typically for legal or safety purposes.
Synonyms:
breath tester, alcohol meter, intoxilyzer
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
(none applicable)
Common Collocations:
police breathalyzer, portable breathalyzer, breathalyzer test, failed breathalyzer
Derivatives:
breathalyze, breathalyzed, breathalyzing
Usage Tips:
Use "breathalyzer" when referring to the device; "breathalyze" is the verb form for administering the test.
Common Phrases:
take a breathalyzer test, fail a breathalyzer, pass a breathalyzer
Etymology:
Blend of "breath" and "analyzer," first used in the 1950s for alcohol detection devices.
Examples:
- 1. The police officer asked him to take a breathalyzer test.
- 2. She failed the breathalyzer and lost her license.
- 3. Many bars offer free breathalyzers to promote responsible drinking.
- 4. He refused to use the breathalyzer during the traffic stop.