Gasping
'ɡɑːspɪŋ
Definitions
2 meaningsTo inhale suddenly and audibly due to shock, surprise, or difficulty breathing.
'ɡɑːsp
To draw in breath sharply, especially because of surprise, shock, or pain.
He was gasping for air after running the marathon.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're running and suddenly feel like you can't get enough air – you're gasping! Or, if you're surprised by a loud noise, you might gasp.
👶 For kids: When you gasp, it's like taking a quick, surprised breath in, like when you see a big surprise or when you're really tired and trying to catch your breath.
More Examples
She gasped in surprise when the magician revealed the trick.
The dog was gasping in the heat.
How It's Used
"The patient was gasping for air after the asthma attack."
"She gasped when she saw the surprise party."
Describing something related to gasping or characterized by the act of gasping.
'ɡɑːspɪŋ
Characterized by or involving gasping.
The athlete's gasping efforts showed the extreme exertion of the race.
💡 Simply: Gasping can also be a way to describe something. Like, you can say the runner's 'gasping' breaths showed how tired they were.
👶 For kids: When something is gasping, it's like it's taking big, quick breaths.
More Examples
A gasping sound came from the engine.
The gasping victim of the attack was rushed to hospital.
How It's Used
"The gasping breaths indicated exhaustion."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
From Middle English gaspen, from Old English *gaspian (found only in compounds) meaning 'to gape, pant'. Related to the word 'gap'.
The word 'gasp' appears in texts from the late 14th century, evolving from the Old English.
Memory tip
Imagine someone inhaling sharply after a jump scare. They are gasping.
Word Origin
"to gape, pant"