gasp
Americannoun
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a sudden, short intake of breath, as in shock or surprise.
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a convulsive effort to breathe.
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a short, convulsive utterance.
the words came out in gasps.
verb (used without object)
verb (used with object)
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to utter with gasps (often followed by out, forth, away, etc.).
She gasped out the words.
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to breathe or emit with gasps (often followed byaway ).
idioms
verb
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(intr) to draw in the breath sharply, convulsively, or with effort, esp in expressing awe, horror, etc
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(intr; foll by after or for) to crave
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to utter or emit breathlessly
noun
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a short convulsive intake of breath
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a short convulsive burst of speech
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at the point of death
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at the last moment
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Related Words
See pant 1.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of gasp
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English gaspen, probably Old English *gāspen, equivalent to Old Norse geispa; akin to gape
Explanation
A gasp is the sound made by a sharp inward breath. After running up a steep hill, your breath will come in gasps. When you make the sound of a gasp, you gasp: "It was so surprising to see my lost cat sitting calmly on the front porch that it made me gasp." People tend to gasp when they're shocked or hurt. A "last gasp" is the moment just before someone dies — it can also mean the point of completing or ending something: "It was the last gasp of video stores in my city when that one closed."
Vocabulary lists containing gasp
Illegal
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Vocabulary from Readings 1, Unit 1
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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.
Gasp at the fact that you’ve just updated to the final version of Google Toolbar.
From The Verge • Dec. 16, 2021
In “Last Gasp WFH,” she wears big headphones to listen to the words Weaver feeds her during monologues.
From New York Times • Nov. 29, 2020
“The Gasp is The Gasp is The Gasp,” he recently said on Twitter.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 11, 2020
Gasp as he sashays up and down in front of his adoring fans!
From The Guardian • Apr. 6, 2011
Weedy waves are tossed ashore, 5 Sea-things strange to sight Gasp upon the barren shore And fade away in light.
From Graded Poetry: Third Year by Various
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
