gasp

To take a sudden breath because you are surprised, shocked, or in pain.

• She gasped when she saw the snake.
• The audience gasped at the sudden explosion.
• He touched his sore arm and gasped in pain.

How to use it: gasp at something (She gasped at the price.); gasp in/with surprise (He gasped in surprise when the door opened.)

Common phrases: gasp in surprise, gasp with horror, gasp at something

To breathe with difficulty, often after hard exercise or when you cannot get enough air.

• I was gasping after the climb.
• The swimmer surfaced, gasping for air.
• Why are you gasping for breath?

How to use it: gasp for breath/air (After the race, I was gasping for breath.)

Similar words: pant

Common phrases: gasp for breath, gasp for air

To say something while breathing with difficulty.

• “Help me,” she gasped.
• He gasped out his name between breaths.
• “We made it,” the exhausted climbers gasped.

How to use it: gasp out something (He gasped out a few words before resting.)

Similar words: pant

Common phrases: gasp out something, gasp a reply

A sudden breath taken because of surprise, shock, pain, or difficulty breathing.

• She gave a gasp of surprise.
• We heard sharp gasps from the audience.
• He woke with a gasp, struggling to breathe.

How to use it: a gasp of something (A gasp of horror rose from the crowd.)

Common phrases: a gasp of surprise, give a gasp, a sharp gasp

A breath of smoke taken from a cigarette.

• He stepped outside for a gasp.
• She took a quick gasp from her cigarette.
• After one last gasp, he put the cigarette out.

Similar words: puff, drag

Common phrases: have a gasp, a quick gasp

A written sound showing that someone takes a sudden breath in surprise or shock.

• Gasp! You ate the whole cake!
• Gasp! Is that really your new car?
• Gasp! The secret door has opened!

Common phrases: gasp oh no, gasp how shocking