Breathe
Pronunciation
- enPR: brÄ“th, IPA: /bɹiËð/
- Rhymes: -iËð
Origin
From Middle English brethen ("to breathe, blow, exhale, odour"), from breth ("breath"). More at breath.
Full definition of breathe
Verb
- (intransitive) To draw air into (inhale), and expel air from (exhale), the lungs in order to extract oxygen and excrete waste gases.
- (intransitive) To take in needed gases and expel waste gases in a similar wayFish have gills so they can breathe underwater.
- (transitive) To use a gas to sustain life.While life as we know it depends on oxygen, scientists have speculated that alien life forms might breathe chlorine or methane.
- (intransitive) Figuratively, to live.I will not allow it, as long as I still breathe.
- unknown date ShakespeareI am in health, I breathe.
- unknown date Sir Walter ScottBreathes there a man with soul so dead?
- (transitive) To draw something into the lungsTry not to breathe too much smoke.
- (intransitive) To expel air from the lungs, exhaleIf you breathe on a mirror, it will fog up.
- To pass like breath; noiselessly or gently; to emanate; to blow gently....the wind breathes through the trees...
- unknown date ShakespeareThe air breathes upon us here most sweetly.
- unknown date ByronThere breathes a living fragrance from the shore.
- (transitive) To give an impression of, to exudeThe decor positively breathes classical elegance
- (transitive) To whisper quietly.He breathed the words into her ear, but she understood them all.
- (intransitive) To exchange gases with the environment.Garments made of certain new materials breathe well and keep the skin relatively dry during exercise.
- (intransitive, now rare) To rest; to stop and catch one's breath.
- 1485, Thomas Malory, Le Morte Darthur, Book X:Thus they fought stylle withoute ony reposynge two owres, and never brethid ...
- unknown date ShakespeareWell! breathe awhile, and then to it again!
- (transitive) To stop to give a horse an opportunity to catch its breathAt higher altitudes you need to breathe your horse more often.