gasping

gasp-ing · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    Present participle of gasp; breathing in suddenly and sharply.

  2. 2.

    (British informal, adjective) Extremely eager or desperate for something.

Related words

See also: breathless, gasp, panting
Synonyms: gulping, panting, wheezing

Etymology

From Old Norse geispa ("to yawn"), with the English present participle suffix -ing. The informal British usage meaning "desperate for" developed in the 20th century.