inhalation

inhalation — noun

1. the action of pulling air, smoke, or other substances into the body through the

1.nounB2
Definition

the action of pulling air, smoke, or other substances into the body through the nose or mouth so that they reach the lungs

Example

The doctor warned about the dangers of smoke inhalation after the fire.

collocation: smoke inhalation

Taking several deep inhalations helped calm Yusuf's nerves before the speech.

countable use: deep inhalation(s)

Common collocations
  • smoke inhalation
  • deep inhalation
  • on inhalation
  • inhalation of dust
  • inhalation therapy
  • steam inhalation
  • inhalation injury
Synonyms
  • breathing in

    everyday alternative; less formal and preferred in casual speech

  • inhaling

    gerund form; same register as 'inhalation' but can feel less clinical in context

  • inspiration

    formal medical/physiology term; rare in ordinary use

Antonyms
  • exhalation

    the act of breathing air out; the opposite physiological process

  • expiration

    formal medical term for breathing out; paired with 'inspiration'

Grammar Patterns

inhalation + of + substance

on + inhalation

countable: a deep inhalation / deep inhalations (plural)

Usage Note

Frequently used in medical, safety, and health contexts. The countable form (a deep inhalation / two inhalations) appears in meditation, singing, and clinical instructions. In everyday conversation, simpler alternatives such as 'breathing in' or 'breath' are more natural.

Common Mistakes

I took a deep inhalation before jumping into the pool.
I took a deep breath before jumping into the pool.
'inhalation' is too formal for routine physical actions; use 'breath' or 'breathing in' in casual speech.

Word family

  • inhale
    verbB2
  • inhaler
    nounB2
  • inhalant
    nounC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All four refer to drawing air into the lungs, but they differ in register and context. 'Inhalation' is the formal or medical term — used in hospital reports, safety warnings (smoke inhalation), and clinical descriptions. 'Breathing in' is the everyday equivalent, appropriate in casual conversation and basic instructions. 'Inhaling' (the gerund) falls between the two: it is less technical than 'inhalation' but still more clinical than 'breathing in,' often used in descriptions of habits (e.g., inhaling smoke). 'Inspiration' is strictly technical, belonging to physiology or respiratory therapy jargon. For most daily needs, choose 'breathing in'; for formal or medical writing, use 'inhalation.'

inhalation ↗breathing ininhalinginspiration ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • risk of inhalation
  • cause of inhalation
  • prevent inhalation

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinEnglish

Comes from Latin 'inhalatio' (drawing in breath), from 'in-' (into) + 'halare' (to breathe). The English word appeared in the late 1500s as a medical term and later broadened to general use.