gasp

[gasp, gahsp]

noun

1. a sudden, short intake of breath, as in shock or surprise.

2. a convulsive effort to breathe.

3. a short, convulsive utterance.

   the words came out in gasps.

verb (used without object)

1. to catch one's breath.

   Synonyms: blow, puff

2. to struggle for breath with the mouth open; breathe convulsively.

   Synonyms: blow, puff

3. to long with breathless eagerness; desire; crave (usually followed by for orafter ).

verb (used with object)

1. to utter with gasps (often followed by out, forth, away, etc.).

   She gasped out the words.

2. to breathe or emit with gasps (often followed byaway ).

gasp

/ ɡɑːsp /

verb

1. (intr) to draw in the breath sharply, convulsively, or with effort, esp in expressing awe, horror, etc

2. (intr; foll by after or for) to crave

3. to utter or emit breathlessly

noun

1. a short convulsive intake of breath

2. a short convulsive burst of speech

3. 1. at the point of death

   2. at the last moment

Other Word Forms

• gaspingly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of gasp¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English gaspen, probably Old English *gāspen, equivalent to Old Norse geispa; akin to gape

Word History and Origins

Origin of gasp¹

C14: from Old Norse geispa to yawn; related to Swedish dialect gispa, Danish gispe

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. last gasp, the point of death; dying.

   At his last gasp he confessed to the murder.

see last gasp.

Synonym Study

See pant ¹.

Example Sentences

Special effects are central both to “Oz’s” appeal and its plot: The big reveal is that technicians, not wizards, pull the levers that make an audience gasp.

From Los Angeles Times

Since most callers don’t expect an answer, they gasp when a visitor actually picks up, many quickly hanging up like teenage telephone pranksters.

From Los Angeles Times

"I bear her no ill will. My prayer for her is that she uses her time in jail wisely to become a better person," he said, to gasps in the courtroom.

From BBC

Drenched in sweat and tears, Diego Montes could finally gasp for air in the sweltering heat of the San Fernando Valley summer.

From Los Angeles Times

Malice follows suit, assuring “Your lucky streak is now losing you / Money’s dried up like a cuticle / You’re gasping for air now, it’s beautiful.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• choke 
• snort 
• whoop