gasp
noun
a sudden, short intake of breath, as in shock or surprise.
gasped
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past participleof gasp.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
-
past tense formof gasp.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
gaspnouna 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.
Many in the audience laughed and applauded, when they should have gasped or moaned.
From Slate ● Sep. 10, 2026
I caught the film at a recent matinee in New Orleans, and children and adults alike gasped at Harryhausen’s movie monsters – from the looming metal colossus of Telos to the hissing and slithering Hydra.
From Salon ● Sep. 4, 2026
It was clear in the audio that he gasped.
From BBC ● Jul. 10, 2026
Korda gasped, covered her mouth, waved to the crowd and wiped away tears.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 8, 2026
“This was your plan?” gasped Clara, moving up the aisle, shifting under the weight of Boaz.
From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny
