Exhale

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /É›ksˈheɪl/
• Rhymes: -eɪl

Origin

From Middle French exhaler, from Latin exhalare, from ex ("out") + halare ("to breathe").

Full definition of exhale

Verb

1. (intransitive) To expel air from the lungs through the nose or mouth by action of the diaphragm.
2. (intransitive) To pass off in the form of vapour; to emerge.
• 2008, Gregor Dallas, Metrostop Paris, John Murray 2009, p. 9:Above was a tiled roof – though from that imperfect tiling exhaled stench and pestilence.
3. (transitive) To expel (something) from the lungs by action of the diaphragm.
4. (transitive) To emit (a vapour, an odour, etc.).The earth exhales vapor; marshes exhale noxious effluvia.
• Alexander PopeLess fragrant scents the unfolding rose exhales.
5. (transitive) To draw out; to cause to be emitted in vapour.The sun exhales the moisture of the earth.

Synonyms

• (breathe out (intransitive)) outbreathe, breathe out, expire archaic
• (expel (transitive)) outbreathe, breathe out, expire archaic

Antonyms

• (expel (transitive)) inbreathe, breathe in, inhale
• (breathe out (intransitive)) inbreathe, breathe in, inspire

Derived terms

• exhalation

Related terms

• inhalation
• inhale
• inhaler