Definition

1. Noun:

   • A sudden, short, and often noisy intake of breath: This typically occurs due to surprise, shock, pain, or a desperate need for air.

2. 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

1. a short labored intake of breath with the mouth open
   • she gave a gasp and fainted

Verb

1. breathe noisily, as when one is exhausted
   • The runners reached the finish line, panting heavily