gasp
word
Definition
To breathe in suddenly and loudly, often because you are surprised, shocked, scared, or out of breath.
Usage & Nuances
Common in both literal (breathing) and figurative (emotional surprise) situations. Often followed by 'for air' or 'in surprise.' Used with emotions like shock, awe, or fear. Not to be confused with 'sigh' (exhale) or 'pant' (fast breathing after exertion).
Spanish: jadear - respirar entrecortadamentePortuguese (BR): ofegar - arfarPortuguese (PT): ofegar - arfarChinese (Simplified): 喘气 - 倒吸一口气Chinese (Traditional): 喘氣 - 倒吸一口氣Hindi: हांफना - सांस लेना (आश्चर्य/डर में)Arabic: يلهث - يلهث بصوتBengali: হাঁপ ধরা - হাঁ করে শ্বাস নেওয়াRussian: ахнуть - задыхатьсяJapanese: 息を呑む - 息が切れるVietnamese: há hốc (thở gấp) - thở hổn hểnKorean: 숨을 헐떡이다 - 깜짝 놀라다Turkish: soluk soluğa kalmak - şaşkınlıkla nefes almakUrdu: ہانپنا - دم گھٹناIndonesian: tercengang - terengah-engah
Example Sentences
She let out a loud gasp when she saw the spider.
basic
He came up from the water, trying to gasp for air.
basic
The news made everyone in the room gasp in surprise.
basic
I couldn't help but gasp when I saw the price tag.
natural
People in the audience gasped as the magician made the rabbit disappear.
natural
After running up the stairs, he was gasping for breath.
natural