Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ɪnˈdʒɛkʃən/

Definitions

• The act of forcing a liquid, especially a drug, into a person's body using a syringe or needle.
• A substance that is injected into the body.
• The process of introducing a substance into a system or machine.

Usage Examples

• The nurse administered an injection to the patient to relieve pain.
• They gave the injection to prevent the spread of the disease.
• The injection was administered into the bloodstream.

Etymology

The word "injection" comes from the Latin word "injectio," which means "a throwing in," from the verb "injicere," meaning "to throw in." It refers to the act of forcing a liquid substance into something, typically with a needle or syringe. The term gained its modern medical usage in the 17th century, primarily in reference to introducing liquids into the body for therapeutic purposes.

Synonyms

• Shot
• Vaccination
• Immunization
• Needle

Antonyms

• Oral (for medications)
• Topical (for treatments applied to the skin)

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In English, the pronunciation of "injection" is generally uniform across regions, with slight variations in emphasis. In American English, the stress is often placed on the second syllable ("in-JECT-ion"), while in British English, the stress may also be on the second syllable but with a slightly different vowel sound.

Historical Usage

The term "injection" has been used since the early 17th century in medical contexts to describe the process of introducing a liquid into the body, usually through a syringe. The use of injections became more widespread with the development of vaccines in the 19th century and has expanded to a variety of medical treatments, including the administration of insulin and anesthetics.

Cultural Nuances

In modern medical practices, "injections" are used for a wide range of purposes, from vaccinations to pain management and hormone treatments. The term may also be used in a cultural context when referring to cosmetic procedures such as Botox injections. In some cultures, injections are seen as either a necessary medical intervention or a source of discomfort due to the fear of needles.

More Information

An "injection" refers to the process of administering a substance, typically a drug or vaccine, into the body via a syringe and needle. This method allows for fast absorption and precise dosage. Injections are crucial in many areas of medicine, especially for patients who are unable to take oral medication or require immediate treatment. Today, injection techniques have become more advanced with the development of insulin pumps, injectable vaccines, and various other therapies.