First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
gasp
verb \ˈgasp\
: to breathe in suddenly and loudly with your mouth open because of surprise, shock, or pain
: to breathe with difficulty
: to say (something) with quick, difficult breaths
Full Definition of GASP
intransitive verb
1
: to catch the breath convulsively and audibly (as with shock)
2
: to breathe laboriously
transitive verb
: to utter in a gasping manner
— gasp noun
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Origin of GASP
Middle English; akin to Old Norse geispa to yawn
GASP Defined for Kids
1gasp
verb \ˈgasp\
gaspedgasp·ing
Definition of GASP for Kids
1
: to breathe in suddenly and loudly with the mouth open because of surprise, shock, or pain <I could see … spectators gasping at moves no human had ever made before. — Jerry Spinelli, Crash>
2
: to breathe with difficulty : pant <The runners were gasping after the race.>
3
: to utter with quick difficult breaths <“I think we're lost,” she gasped.>
2gasp
noun
Definition of GASP for Kids
1
: the act of breathing in suddenly or with difficulty <I heard the crowd's loud gasp.>
2
: something gasped <He let out a gasp of surprise.>
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