Breathalyse

/ˈbrɛθəˌlaɪz/ verb

Definition

To test someone's breath for alcohol content using a breathalyzer device, typically done by police to check if a driver is intoxicated.

Etymology

From 'breath' plus 'analyse' (Greek ana- 'up' + lysis 'breaking down'). Created from the trademark 'Breathalyzer' in the 1950s-60s; became a common verb especially in British English.

Kelly Says

The Breathalyzer was invented in 1954 by an Indiana police officer who created it because courtroom blood-alcohol tests were slow and unreliable—this one device revolutionized drunk driving enforcement!

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