Gasp

/ɡæsp/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A sudden, sharp intake of breath, typically due to shock or astonishment.

There was a collective gasp from the audience when the magician pulled off the trick.

An act of gasping.

Her gasp was so loud that it caught everyone's attention.

verb

To catch one's breath audibly, often as a result of surprise, shock, or difficulty breathing.

When she saw the surprise party, she couldn't help but gasp.

To draw in breath sharply, often in response to strong emotion.

He gasped in horror as the movie reached its climax.

Middle English 'gaspen', from Old Norse 'gasp', related to the German 'gaspen'.

gasp in surprise

to take a sharp breath due to astonishment or shock.

gasp for air

to struggle to breathe, often due to exhaustion or suffocation.

gasp in horror

to express shock or fear by inhaling sharply.

gasped

past tense of gasp, indicating a sudden breath taken previously.

gasping

the act of inhaling sharply, often indicating distress or exhaustion.

OMG (Oh My God)

When she heard the news, she gasped, 'OMG!'

That's insane!

He gasped in disbelief, 'That's insane!'