ventilate
UK: ˈvɛntɪleɪt | US: ˈvɛntəleɪt
vt. to circulate fresh air in a space
vt. to expose to air or oxygen (e.g., medical context)
vt. to express or discuss openly (figurative use)
The word traces back to Latin ventilare ("to fan or winnow"), combining ventus (wind) with the frequentative suffix -ilare. Originally tied to literal air movement (e.g., winnowing grain), it expanded metaphorically to mean "exposing ideas to open discussion" by the 16th century, mirroring the dispersal of air.
Open windows to ventilate the room after painting.
Doctors ventilate patients with respiratory failure.
The meeting allowed employees to ventilate their grievances.
Ancient farmers ventilated grain by tossing it in the wind.
Properly ventilated attics prevent mold growth.