gasp
noun
a sudden, short intake of breath, as in shock or surprise.
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.
However, he unexpectedly changed his plea to guilty, prompting gasps in the courtroom.
From BBC ● Nov. 3, 2026
Several gasps and sobs erupted from some of the victims’ relatives as the verdict was read, and they later shared hugs with prosecutors and detectives on the case in a courthouse hallway.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 2, 2026
There were gasps and – to the intense irritation of supporters – cheers from opponents of assisted dying when the vote was read out in the Commons.
From BBC ● Sep. 11, 2026
There’s no more fitting description of a documentary that’s cobbled together from the dying gasps of ’90s fashion culture, when glamor and mischief reigned supreme.
From Salon ● Sep. 5, 2026
The gasps rippled through the crowd as one by one, each person felt the surge of light flow through them and burst out into the darkness.
From "A Wish in the Dark" by Christina Soontornvat
