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Added 9 October 2026

gasp

/ɡɑːsp/ verb

verb Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about gasp at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

To draw in the breath suddenly, as if from a shock.
The audience gasped as the magician disappeared.
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.
To speak in a breathless manner.
The old man gasped his last few words.

noun

A short, sudden intake of breath.
The audience gave a gasp of astonishment
: A draw or drag on a cigarette (or gasper).
I'm popping out for a gasp.

interjection

The sound of a gasp.
Gasp! What will happen next?

Origin

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”).

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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