hyperventilate

[ hahy-per-ven-tl-eyt ]

verb (used without object)

, hy·per·ven·ti·lat·ed, hy·per·ven·ti·lat·ing.

1. to be afflicted with hyperventilation; breathe abnormally fast and deep.

verb (used with object)

, hy·per·ven·ti·lat·ed, hy·per·ven·ti·lat·ing.

1. to cause (a patient) to breathe more rapidly and deeply than normal.

hyperventilate

/ ˌhaɪpəˈvɛntɪleɪt /

verb

1. intr to breathe in an abnormally deep, long, and rapid manner, sometimes resulting in cramp and dizziness

Word History and Origins

Origin of hyperventilate¹

First recorded in 1930–35; back formation from hyperventilation

Example Sentences

“Everyone on both sides shouldn’t hyperventilate” about Barrett’s response, he tells Quartz.

From Quartz

I asked him to put on music and eventually to play a television show I had downloaded on my phone while waiting, all to make sure I didn’t hyperventilate or pass out.

From Outside Online

It’s not only confounding but also dangerous, as Uphill Skinner is often hyperventilating, unaware, unable to quickly exit the track if he tried.

From Outside Online

I flashed back to when I was 13, struggling to press it into the pan evenly because my hands were not yet familiar with its texture, quietly hyperventilating because I was unsure how much pressure to exert.

From Washington Post