gasp Hear it!

gasp Definition

gasp (gasp)

intransitive verb

to inhale suddenly, as in surprise, or breathe with effort, as in choking

Etymology: ME gaspen < ON geispa, to yawn, prob. by metathesis of *geipsa < geipa, to gossip: for IE base see gape

transitive verb

to say or tell with gasps

noun

a gasping; catching of the breath with difficulty

gasp Idioms

at the last gasp

  1. just before death
  2. just before the end; at the last moment

gasp Synonyms

gasp

v.

labor for breath, breathe convulsively, gulp, have difficulty in breathing, pant, puff, wheeze, heave, blow, sniffle, snort, catch one's breath, struggle for breath.

at the last gasp*

at the last moment, just in time, penultimately; see finally 2.

gasp Usage Examples

Object

breath: I sat there in complete silence even scared to gasp a breath, all I could hear was the muttering downstairs.

Adjective modifier

  • audible: She landed with such a loud thud that I let out an audible gasp.
  • collective: Agencies everywhere are taking a collective gasp of horror.

Preposition: in

  • amazement: It will leave you gasping in amazement, an absolutely mind blowing stunt.
  • astonishment: And there are two more reasons to gasp in astonishment.
  • awe: Visitors can gasp in awe or be sick in the ( packed ) trophy room.
  • disbelief: I felt betrayed and was left gasping in disbelief.
  • admiration: Your photographs of the beach scene have had everyone gasping in admiration.
  • horror: Oh no, I can hear people out there, gasping in horror!

Preposition: of

  • astonishment: The European Union has reacted with a collective gasp of astonishment at the scale of Hamas's victory in the Palestinian elections.
  • amazement: Additionally a gasp of sheer amazement was heard from Tim O'Brien, with the words, " That man can really play!
  • disbelief: I do realize that there will be gasps of disbelief that it could be as easy as that.
  • admiration: The film was screened at this year's Sundance Film Festival, where its look drew gasps of admiration.
  • awe: He's not merely a celestial showman playing for the gasps of awe from the crowd.
  • horror: Agencies everywhere are taking a collective gasp of horror.

Preposition: with

  • amazement: Your aerial display was out of this world, we gasped with amazement.
  • delight: The session began quickly and soon pupils were gasping with delight as they discovered different tools on screen that would enhance their pictures.

Preposition: for

  • breath: Seagoon: [ gasping for breath ] See anything through the window?
  • air: I am gasping for air; my heart is pounding.
  • oxygen: No one helps you out, I scrambled up the side, gasping for oxygen to prevent my lungs shutting down.

Browse dictionary entries near gasp

  1. gasometer
  2. gasoline
  3. gasolier
  4. gasoil
  5. gasohol
  6. gasman
  7. gaslit
  8. gaslight
  9. gaskin
  10. gasket
  1. Gaspé Peninsula
  2. gasper
  3. gassed
  4. gasser
  5. Gasset
  6. gassy
  7. gastero-
  8. Gasthaus
  9. gastr-
  10. gastraea