gasp
/gɑ:sp/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun:
- A sudden, short, and often noisy intake of breath: This typically occurs due to surprise, shock, pain, or a desperate need for air.
Verb:
- To inhale suddenly and sharply with the mouth open: This action is usually a reflexive response to strong emotion, physical exertion, or a lack of oxygen.
- To breathe with effort or difficulty: To struggle for breath, often making a noise.
Examples of Usage
Noun:
- She gave a startled gasp when the door slammed.
- A gasp of pain escaped his lips when he stubbed his toe.
Verb:
- He surfaced from the water and gasped for air.
- The audience gasped in horror at the villain's sudden appearance.
Advanced Usage
"at the last gasp": At the final moment, especially before death or failure; at the point of exhaustion.
- The team scored the winning goal at the last gasp of the match.
"gasp for breath/air": To struggle to breathe, inhaling with great effort.
- The smoke was so thick he was left gasping for air.
"gasp out": To say something while breathing with great difficulty.
- The wounded soldier gasped out a warning before losing consciousness.
Variants and Related Words
Gasping (adj/participle): Breathing with difficulty; catching one's breath.
- He was gasping after running up the stairs.
Gaspingly (adv): In a gasping manner.
- She spoke gaspingly, trying to catch her breath between words.
Synonyms
- Noun: Gulp, pant, sharp intake of breath.
- Verb: Pant, puff, wheeze, choke (for breath).
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Gasp for: To desperately need or desire something (often used figuratively).
- The dry plants were gasping for water.
Related Idioms
- One's last gasp: The final moment of life or effort; the very end.
- The company was on its last gasp before the new investment saved it.
Noun
- a short labored intake of breath with the mouth open
- she gave a gasp and fainted
Verb
- breathe noisily, as when one is exhausted
- The runners reached the finish line, panting heavily