injection

Everyday

1. An injection is when a doctor or nurse uses a needle to put medicine into your body through the skin. tree →
2. An injection can also mean putting a liquid into something with force, like fuel into an engine. tree →
3. An injection of money or energy means a large amount added to help something. tree →

In the lessons

In health and everyday life, injections are given for vaccinations (to protect you from diseases like measles), for some medicines, and at the dentist to numb your mouth. Children often call it «a jab» (UK, Australia, New Zealand) or «a shot» (USA, Canada). Safety: never touch needles you find lying around; tell an adult. Phrases: «have an injection», «give someone an injection», «a flu injection», «fuel injection».

Examples

• I had an injection at the doctor's today and it only stung for a second. tree →
• The nurse gave the baby her injections. tree →
• The dentist gave me an injection so I would not feel the drill. tree →
• Injections help protect us from serious diseases. tree →
• My little brother cried before the injection but not after. tree →
• Some people with diabetes need daily injections of insulin. tree →
• The school got an injection of money to fix the roof. tree →
• The vet gave our cat an injection. tree →

Note

Countable: «an injection» (starts with a vowel sound, so «an»). Verb: «inject, injected». Informal: «jab» (UK, Aus, NZ) and «shot» (US). Myth: injections are not punishments; they keep you healthy. Never pick up a needle (syringe) you find.