Gasp — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb noun /ˈgasp/

Meaning & Definition of Gasp

Gasp (verb)

  1. to catch the breath convulsively and audibly (as with shock)
  2. to breathe laboriously
  3. to utter in a gasping manner

Gasp (noun)

  1. an act of gasping, a sudden loud intake of breath with one's mouth because of surprise, shock, pain, etc.

Gasp (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to breathe hard, quickly, or with difficulty

    "the runner was audibly gasping by the end of the marathon"

    similar: blow, heave, hyperventilate, pant, puff, wheeze, be out of breath
    related: choke, gag, gulp, huff, asphyxiate, smother, stifle, strangle, snore, snuffle, exhale, expire

Gasp (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in sigh, whisper

    similar: babble, coo, gurgle, hiss, moan, murmur, rustle, sigh, suspiration, susurration, susurrus, whisper, burr, buzz, chirr, churr, drone, hum, purr, thrum, whir, whiz, zoom, whish, zing, zip
    opposite: bawl, howl, roar, scream, screech, shriek, squall, squeal, yell, yelp

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Gasp

The most common words with a similar meaning to Gasp:

blow, heave, hyperventilate, pant, puff, wheeze, be out of breath, babble, coo, gurgle, hiss, moan, murmur, rustle, sigh, suspiration, susurration, susurrus, whisper, burr, buzz, chirr, churr, drone, hum, purr, thrum, whir, whiz, zoom, whish, zing, zip

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Gasp

Words with the opposite meaning of Gasp:

bawl, howl, roar, scream, screech, shriek, squall, squeal, yell, yelp

Related Words for Gasp

choke, gag, gulp, huff, asphyxiate, smother, stifle, strangle, snore, snuffle, exhale, expire

Word Forms of Gasp

Inflections: gasped, gasping, gasps

Origin & Etymology of Gasp

Middle English; akin to Old Norse geispa to yawn

First known use: 14th centuryi

Words & Phrases Containing Gasp

last-gasp, last-gasp goal

Frequently Asked Questions about Gasp

What does "Gasp" mean?

"Gasp" means to catch the breath convulsively and audibly (as with shock). As an a verb and a noun, it is defined as: to catch the breath convulsively and audibly (as with shock). It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Gasp"?

Other words for "Gasp" include blow, heave, hyperventilate, pant, puff, wheeze, be out of breath and babble. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Gasp" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Gasp"?

There are 45 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Gasp". Common alternatives include blow, heave, hyperventilate, pant, puff, wheeze, be out of breath, babble, coo and gurgle.

What is the opposite of "Gasp"?

Antonyms of "Gasp" include bawl, howl, roar, scream, screech, shriek, squall and squeal.

How do you use "Gasp" in a sentence?

Examples of "Gasp" in a sentence: "the runner was audibly gasping by the end of the marathon".

Is "Gasp" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Gasp" can be used as a verb and a noun, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Gasp"?

"Gasp" is pronounced /ˈgasp/.

What is the origin of the word "Gasp"?

"Gasp" comes from Middle English; akin to Old Norse geispa to yawn. First known use: 14th centuryi.