Pronunciation: [ˈe͡əbaɡ] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of the word "airbag" is /ˈɛərˌbæɡ/. The first syllable is pronounced as "air" with an open "e" sound followed by a rolled "r." The second syllable is pronounced with a short "a" sound, similar to the word "bat," and a hard "g" sound at the end. An airbag is a safety device that inflates rapidly in the event of a collision to protect passengers from injury.
An airbag can be defined as a safety device incorporated in motor vehicles, specifically designed to provide a protective cushion or restraint during sudden and severe impact or collision. It consists of a flexible and durable bag, typically made of nylon, encased within the steering wheel, dashboard, or other vehicle panels. When a vehicle experiences a significant impact, such as during an accident, the airbag is rapidly inflated with nitrogen gas, immediately positioning itself between the driver or passenger and the hard surfaces of the car.
The purpose of the airbag is to reduce the force of impact between a person's body and the vehicle's interior, thus minimizing the risk of severe injuries or death. Upon inflation, the airbag acts as a barrier, dispersing the energy from the collision across its surface and slowing down the individual's forward movement. This effectively reduces the impact force on the head, chest, and other vulnerable body parts, ultimately decreasing the likelihood of head trauma, rib fractures, and other life-threatening injuries.
Airbags are typically accompanied by seat belts, with both systems working in conjunction to provide the optimal protection during an accident. Modern vehicles often feature multiple airbags in various locations, such as the front, side, and curtain airbags, protecting both the driver and passengers from different types of collisions.
The immense safety benefits of airbags have led to their widespread adoption in the automotive industry, making them an essential component of vehicular safety systems worldwide.
The word "airbag" is a compound word derived from two separate terms: "air" and "bag".
1. Air:
The term "air" originated from the Old English word "ǣr", which has Germanic roots. It eventually evolved into "air" in Middle English. The word "air" refers to the invisible substance surrounding Earth, consisting mainly of oxygen and nitrogen, and required for breathing.
2. Bag:
The word "bag" originated from the Old Norse word "baggi" and the Medieval Latin word "bagga". The Old Norse term referred to a bag composed of coarse fabric, while the Medieval Latin term referred to a wine container made of leather. Eventually, "bag" became the common term used in English to describe a flexible container with an opening used for carrying or storing various items.
