gasp

gasp · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    To inhale suddenly and sharply, as from shock, surprise, or difficulty breathing.

  2. 2.

    To utter with gasps; to say breathlessly.

  3. 3.

    (as a noun) A sudden short intake of breath.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    gasp for air/breath — to struggle to breathe
  • •
    the last gasp — the final moment before death or failure
  • •
    at the last gasp — at the very last moment

Related words

Antonyms: exhale
See also: breathe, pant, sigh, wheeze
Synonyms: gulp, pant, wheeze

Etymology

From Old Norse geispa ("to yawn"), related to Middle Low German gispen. The word has been used in English since the 15th century with its current meaning of sudden breath intake.