cardiac arrest

noun

: temporary or permanent cessation of the heartbeat

Examples of cardiac arrest in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Symptoms of sudden cardiac arrest include immediate collapse without a pulse or breathing. Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2026 The man later went into cardiac arrest and died from his injuries. Ashley Carnahan, FOXNews.com, 10 Feb. 2026 An American Heart Association spokesperson told USA TODAY the education campaign was inspired by an on-field incident in January 2023, when Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest and collapsed during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 6 Feb. 2026 Inside the unit are advanced cardiac monitors, life-saving medications, airway equipment, and the ability to treat cardiac arrests, severe trauma, and breathing emergencies on scene. Shelley Bortz, CBS News, 5 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cardiac arrest

Word History

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cardiac arrest was in 1873

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Cite this Entry

“Cardiac arrest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cardiac%20arrest. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

Medical Definition

cardiac arrest

noun
: abrupt temporary or permanent cessation of the heartbeat (as from ventricular fibrillation or asystole)

called also sudden cardiac arrest

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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