verb

hyperventilating

hy-pur-VEN-ti-lay-ting

Hyperventilating (verb) means breathing faster and more deeply than the body needs, so that too much carbon dioxide is lost — often during panic or anxiety, causing dizziness, tingling in the hands and a feeling of breathlessness. Example: “She was hyperventilating in the corridor and could not get a word out.”

verb

Breathing faster and more deeply than the body needs, so that too much carbon dioxide is lost — often during panic or anxiety, causing dizziness, tingling in the hands and a feeling of breathlessness.

"She was hyperventilating in the corridor and could not get a word out."

"Try to slow the breathing down; he's hyperventilating."

informal Reacting with wild, disproportionate excitement or alarm.

"The press has been hyperventilating about the reshuffle all week."

How to Use Hyperventilating

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishBreathing far too fast, usually because you are panicking.

When to use it

Neutral in medical and everyday use; the exaggerated-reaction sense is informal and often mocking.

Memory tip

Hypo-ventilating is the opposite — breathing too slowly or shallowly. One letter changes the meaning entirely.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

hypoventilating panic attack shortness of breath

Common pairings

start hyperventilating hyperventilating with panic stop hyperventilating

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Can you complete this real example?

She was _____ in the corridor and could not get a word out.

Etymology

From Greek hyper-, over or excessive, and Latin ventilare, to fan or blow.

Origin: Greek

Synonyms

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overbreathing panting overreacting panicking getting worked up

Related Words

panicking panting

Rhymes for hyperventilating

mating rating eating dating hating heating grating stating beating coating skating seating

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between hyperventilating and a panic attack?

Hyperventilating is the breathing pattern itself; a panic attack is the wider episode of sudden intense fear, which often includes hyperventilation along with a racing heart, chest tightness and a sense of dread. You can hyperventilate without panic, for example during strenuous exertion or certain illnesses.

How do you stop hyperventilating?

Slow the breathing rather than take in more air: breathe in through the nose for a count of four and out slowly for six, keeping the shoulders down. Breathing into a paper bag is old advice and is no longer recommended, because it can be dangerous if the cause is not anxiety. Seek medical help if it happens repeatedly or with chest pain.

Why does hyperventilating make your hands tingle?

Fast breathing blows off carbon dioxide, which raises blood pH and reduces the calcium available to nerves. That makes nerves fire more easily, producing tingling in the fingers and around the mouth, and sometimes cramping. It resolves once breathing slows.

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