Meaning

(intransitive) To draw in the breath suddenly, as if from a shock..

Definitions by Sense

1. (intransitive) To draw in the breath suddenly, as if from a shock.
2. (intransitive) To breathe quickly or in a labored manner, as after exertion; to respire with heaving of the breast; to pant.
3. (transitive) To speak in a breathless manner.
4. To pant with eagerness or excitement; to show vehement desire.
5. A short, sudden intake of breath.
6. (British, slang): A draw or drag on a cigarette (or gasper).
7. (humorous) The sound of a gasp.

Example Sentences

The audience gasped as the magician disappeared.

We were all gasping when we reached the summit.

c. 1761-1764, Robert Lloyd, An Epistle to C. Churchill, Author of the Rosicad She gasps and struggles hard for life.

The old man gasped his last few words.

I'm gasping for a cup of tea.

Quenching the gasping furrows' thirst with rain.

The audience gave a gasp of astonishment

I'm popping out for a gasp.

Word Forms

• gasps
• gasping
• gasped

Synonyms for gasp

Related Words

When Should You Use Gasp?

Use gasp when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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