gasp
noun
a sudden, short intake of breath, as in shock or surprise.
gasping
-
present participleof gasp.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In the darkness, partially kneeling, gasping for air and practically immobile, he suffered aftershock after aftershock.
From Barron's ● Jul. 5, 2026
“I had kind of a mental health breakdown,” Tyson said, describing sleep deprivation so severe she felt drunk and anxiety attacks that left her gasping for air.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 8, 2026
"I measured quite low, even though my OCD means when I am triggered, I'm cleaning for two to three hours with pure bleach and I'm gasping for air," he said.
From BBC ● Apr. 29, 2026
By that point, Illinois was already rolling, well on their way to a 101-65 victory that left USC gasping for air.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 19, 2026
I scramble over and open it up, gasping once my eyes land on what’s inside.
From "Amari and the Night Brothers" by B.B. Alston
