gasping

3 definitions • 3 examples

present participle of

to take a short, quick breath through the mouth, especially because of surprise, pain, or shock:

gasp in When she saw the money hidden in the box she gasped in surprise.

[ + speech ] "Help me!" he gasped.

to breathe loudly and with difficulty, trying to get more air:

gasp for He pulled her aboard the boat and she sprawled on the deck, coughing and gasping for breath.