verb
gasp
gahsp
verb
1
To suddenly draw in breath, usually from shock or surprise.
"She gasped when she saw the size of the spider."
"He gasped for air after finally reaching the surface."
noun
1
A short, sudden intake of breath.
"A gasp went through the crowd as the trick was revealed."
How to Use Gasp
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo catch your breath sharply, usually from shock, effort, or surprise.
Common pairings
gasp for breath
gasp in surprise
let out a gasp
Word Forms
gasped past tense, gasps plural, gasps singular
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Etymology
From Middle English gaspen, likely related to an Old Norse word meaning "to yawn."