breathalyser: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1informal, formal (in legal/technical contexts)
Quick answer
What does “breathalyser” mean?
A device used by police to measure the amount of alcohol in a driver's breath, often to determine if they are over the legal driving limit.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A device used by police to measure the amount of alcohol in a driver's breath, often to determine if they are over the legal driving limit.
Any portable electronic device that analyses a breath sample to estimate blood alcohol content. Also refers to the act of administering such a test.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: 'breathalyser' (UK) vs. 'breathalyzer' (US). The verb forms also follow this spelling pattern.
Connotations
Strongly associated with police checks and drink-driving laws in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties within relevant contexts (law, motoring).
Grammar
How to Use “breathalyser” in a Sentence
The police breathalysed the driver (verb + object)He was asked to take a breathalyser (verb + indefinite article + noun)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “breathalyser” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The officer decided to breathalyse the motorist.
- If you're stopped, you can be breathalysed.
American English
- The cop had probable cause to breathalyze the suspect.
- He refused to be breathalyzed.
adjective
British English
- The breathalyser result was positive.
- A breathalyser kit was kept in the patrol car.
American English
- The breathalyzer reading was used as evidence.
- They followed breathalyzer protocol.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in companies manufacturing safety or law enforcement equipment.
Academic
Used in criminology, public health, or traffic safety research.
Everyday
Common in news reports about drink-driving incidents or personal anecdotes about police stops.
Technical
Used in forensic science, law enforcement, and automotive safety contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “breathalyser”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “breathalyser”
- Misspelling: 'breathalyzer' in UK contexts or 'breathalyser' in US contexts. Confusing 'breathalyser' (noun/device) with 'breathalyse' (verb/action).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, originally it was a trademark (from 'Breathalyzer'), but it has become a generic term in UK English for any such device.
A breathalyser gives an instant, non-invasive estimate of alcohol levels from breath. A blood test is more accurate, invasive, and is typically used as formal evidence after an arrest.
Yes, personal-use breathalysers are available, but they are generally less accurate than police-grade equipment and should not be relied upon for legal decisions about driving.
In many jurisdictions, refusal is a criminal offence in itself, often carrying penalties similar to or worse than failing the test, such as an automatic driving ban or a fine.
A device used by police to measure the amount of alcohol in a driver's breath, often to determine if they are over the legal driving limit.
Breathalyser is usually informal, formal (in legal/technical contexts) in register.
Breathalyser: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbreθ.ə.laɪ.zə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbreθ.ə.laɪ.zɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to blow into the bag (colloquial for taking the test)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'breath' + 'analyse' + '-er' (the thing that analyses breath).
Conceptual Metaphor
THE MACHINE IS A JUDGE (it 'decides' if you are guilty of being over the limit).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of a breathalyser?