Is 'breathalyser' a generic term or a trademark?

Originally a trademark (Breathalyser), it has become genericised in many regions, especially the UK, though some manufacturers still hold trademarks on specific models.

Can you buy a personal breath analyser?

Yes, personal breathalysers are available, but they are generally less accurate than police-grade devices and should not be used to gauge fitness to drive legally.

What's the difference between a 'breath analyser' and a 'sobriety test'?

A breath analyser is a specific device measuring breath alcohol. A 'sobriety test' or 'field sobriety test' (FST) is a broader term that can include physical tasks (walking in a line) and may include a breath test.

Is the result from a breath analyser definitive proof of drink-driving?

It is strong evidence, but in court, its calibration, administration, and the operator's training can be challenged. Often, a subsequent evidential test at a police station is used for prosecution.

Is “breath analyzer” formal?

Breath analyzer is usually formal, technical, legal in register.

How do you pronounce “breath analyzer”?

Breath analyzer: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbreθ.əˌlaɪ.zə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbreθ.əˌlaɪ.zɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

breath analyzer: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Medium

UK/ˈbreθ.əˌlaɪ.zə/US/ˈbreθ.əˌlaɪ.zɚ/

Formal, Technical, Legal

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “breath analyzer” mean?

A device that estimates blood alcohol content by measuring the alcohol in a person's breath.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A device that estimates blood alcohol content by measuring the alcohol in a person's breath.

A portable or stationary instrument used by law enforcement or in workplaces to screen for alcohol impairment. In a figurative sense, it can refer to any technology or system that detects or measures a substance from breath.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

UK spelling is 'breathalyser' (also a trademark: 'Breathalyser'). US spelling is 'breathalyzer'. The agent noun 'breathalyser' (one who administers the test) is rare. The verb 'to breathalyse/breathalyze' exists.

Connotations

Connotes law enforcement, roadside checks, and legal consequences. Has a neutral-to-negative association due to its use in detecting offences.

Frequency

Slightly more frequent in everyday discourse in the UK/Ireland/Australia due to common public awareness campaigns. In the US, 'breathalyzer' is standard, but 'sobriety test' or 'BAC test' are also common phrases.

Grammar

How to Use “breath analyzer” in a Sentence

[Subject: police/officer] administer a breath analyser (to [Object: driver])[Subject: driver] fail/pass/refuse/take a breath analyser[Subject: breath analyser] show/register a reading of [Measurement]

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

policetestfailpassadministerroadsidereadingdevicemachine

medium

portabledigitalaccuratecalibrateresultrefusecertifiedbreath sample

weak

companyofficerlegallysuspectchargeevidence

Examples

Examples of “breath analyzer” in a Sentence

verb

British English

The police officer can breathalyse any driver he suspects of drinking.
He was breathalysed at the roadside and arrested.

American English

The officer had probable cause to breathalyze the suspect.
She refused to be breathalyzed, resulting in an automatic license suspension.

adjective

British English

The breathalyser evidence was crucial for the prosecution.
They installed a breathalyser lock on his car ignition.

American English

The breathalyzer results are admissible in court.
He contested the breathalyzer test's calibration.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Rare. May appear in HR policies regarding workplace safety and drug/alcohol testing.

Academic

Used in forensic science, toxicology, and public health research papers.

Everyday

Common in news reports about drink-driving. Used conversationally when discussing legal encounters or safety warnings.

Technical

Standard term in forensic equipment manuals, law enforcement protocols, and legal documents pertaining to DUI/DWI offences.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “breath analyzer”

Strong

intoximeteralcotest (trademark)alcohol sensor

Neutral

breath test devicealcohol breath testerBAC analyser

Weak

sobriety testerdrunkometer (informal/historical)

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “breath analyzer”

Misspelling: 'breath analyzer' (US) vs. 'breath analyser' (UK).
Using 'breathalyser' as a verb incorrectly without an object (e.g., 'He was breathalysed' is correct; 'He breathalysed' is incomplete).
Confusing 'breath analyser' (the device) with 'sobriety test' (which can include physical coordination tests).

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: Originally a trademark (Breathalyser), it has become genericised in many regions, especially the UK, though some manufacturers still hold trademarks on specific models.
: Yes, personal breathalysers are available, but they are generally less accurate than police-grade devices and should not be used to gauge fitness to drive legally.
: A breath analyser is a specific device measuring breath alcohol. A 'sobriety test' or 'field sobriety test' (FST) is a broader term that can include physical tasks (walking in a line) and may include a breath test.
: It is strong evidence, but in court, its calibration, administration, and the operator's training can be challenged. Often, a subsequent evidential test at a police station is used for prosecution.
: A device that estimates blood alcohol content by measuring the alcohol in a person's breath.
: Breath analyzer is usually formal, technical, legal in register.
: Breath analyzer: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbreθ.əˌlaɪ.zə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbreθ.əˌlaɪ.zɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think: 'BREATH' + 'ANALYSER' = a device that ANALYSES your BREATH for alcohol. Link it to 'Breath' you see in the cold and 'Analyse' like a scientist.

Conceptual Metaphor

TECHNOLOGY AS A WITNESS (the device provides objective testimony of intoxication).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

The officer produced a portable to check the driver's alcohol level.

Multiple Choice

In UK English, which spelling is most standard for the device?