Gasp at Meaning in English
expression
Definition
To suddenly and loudly breathe in through your mouth because you are surprised, shocked, or amazed by something.
Usage & Nuances
Usually used when someone is visibly or audibly surprised, shocked, or amazed by something they see or hear. Common collocations: 'gasp at the sight', 'gasp at the news'. It often describes a reflex action, not a planned response. More expressive in writing than in everyday speech.
Example Sentences
The children gasped at the magician's tricks.
basic
People often gasp at fireworks during New Year's celebrations.
basic
She gasped at the price of the designer dress.
basic
The crowd gasped at the breathtaking view from the mountaintop.
natural
I couldn't help but gasp at the plot twist in that movie.
natural
You should've seen her gasp at the news—she was totally stunned.
natural