gasp

Pluralgasps

Formsgasps, gasping, gasped

1. 1
   nouncountable

   A quick, sudden breath in, often from surprise or shock.

   Like the quick breath you take when someone jumps out to scare you.

   She let out a gasp when she saw the surprise party.

   A gasp went around the room when the lights came back on.

2. 2
   verbintransitive

   To breathe in suddenly because you are shocked or surprised.

   Like when something scary makes you suck in air fast.

   She gasped when the door slammed shut.

   I gasp every time that movie reaches its twist.

   Note
3. 3
   verbintransitive

   To breathe fast and hard, like after running a long way.

   Like breathing hard and fast after you race your friends.

   He was gasping after he ran up the stairs.

   They gasp for air at the end of every race.

   Similarpant, puff, wheeze

4. 4
   verbtransitive

   To say something while breathing hard, so the words come out in short bursts.

   Like trying to talk right after running, when words come out in little pieces.

   "Help me," she gasped as she reached the shore.

   He could barely gasp a word after the long climb.

   Similarpant, wheeze, croak, rasp

   Note
5. 5
   verbintransitive

   To want something very strongly, as if you cannot wait to have it.

   Like wanting a drink of water when you are very, very thirsty.

   People gasp for freedom when they have lived under harsh rule.

   The whole town gasped for news of the missing sailors.

   Similaryearn, long, hunger, thirst, pine

   Note
6. 6
   interjectionhumorous

   Used to show surprise or shock, often in a joking way.

   Gasp! You ate the last cookie without me?

   She read his message and typed back, "Gasp, how dare you!"

7. 7
   nounslangBritishcountable

   A single pull of smoke taken from a cigarette.

   He lit a cigarette by the back door and had a quick gasp before the meeting.

   She took a long gasp and blew the smoke out slowly.

   Similardrag, puff, pull

   Note

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