Heimlich
/ˈhaɪmlɪx/noun
A technique used to remove an obstruction from a person's airway.
Did you know?The term 'Heimlich' comes from the German word for 'secretive' or 'covert', reflecting a hidden yet powerful life-saving technique.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*haimaz
“home, dwelling, or household”
Old High German
OHG
heim
“home or dwelling”
Middle High German
MHG
heimlich
“secret, hidden, or cozy”
Modern German
German
heimlich
“secretive or covert, also used to mean familiar or homey”
20th Century
English
Heimlich
“named after Dr. Henry Heimlich, the developer of the life-saving maneuver”