gasp

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a short labored intake of breath with the mouth open

   I gave a gasp and fainted.

2. 2
   verb

   To draw in the breath suddenly, as if from a shock.

   The audience gasped as the magician disappeared.

3. 3
   verb

   To breathe quickly or in a labored manner, as after exertion; to respire with heaving of the breast; to pant.

   We were all gasping when we reached the summit.

4. 4
   verb

   To speak in a breathless manner.

   The old man gasped his last few words.

5. 5
   verb

   To pant with eagerness or excitement; to show vehement desire.

   I'm gasping for a cup of tea.

6. 6
   noun

   A short, sudden intake of breath.

   The audience gave a gasp of astonishment

7. 7
   noun

   A draw or drag on a cigarette (or gasper).

   I'm popping out for a gasp.

8. 8
   intj

   The sound of a gasp.

   Gasp! What will happen next?

Etymology

From Middle English gaspen, gayspen (“to gape, outbreathe”), related to and likely derived from Old Norse geispa (“to yawn”) or its descendant Danish gispe, which may be related to gapa (“to gape”).