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 or after ).

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 by away ).

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. troften foll byout to utter or emit breathlessly

noun

1. a short convulsive intake of breath
2. a short convulsive burst of speech
3. at the last gasp
   1. at the point of death
   2. at the last moment

Derived Forms

• ˈgaspingly, adverb

Other Words From

• gasping·ly 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.

More idioms and phrases containing gasp

see last gasp .

Synonym Study

See pant ¹.

Example Sentences

Children coming to see the green dinosaur will gasp before their parents do.

From Los Angeles Times

They dismissed the measure’s victory as the last gasp of a white electorate and reassured Latinos who lived in states that spawned dozens of copycat laws, measures and politicians by retelling the Democratic triumphalist part like it was gospel.

From Los Angeles Times

Many hoped that night’s statement was the last gasp of Trumpian lies and hyperbole.

From Los Angeles Times

Her provocative stage presence in a dazzling series of Paris by Night videos, her tight-fitting body suits and bikini tops, her bravado and sultry voice made the older generation gasp.

From Los Angeles Times

When that figure was read out at the public inquiry, there was an audible gasp from survivors and relatives in the room.

From BBC

Related Words

• exclamation
• whoop