Gasp

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ɡɑːsp/
• US IPA: /ɡæsp/
• Rhymes: -æsp

Origin

From Middle English. Related to and possibly derived from Old Norse geispa or Danish gispe.

Online Etymology Dictionary|gasp

Full definition of gasp

Noun

1. A short, sudden intake of breath.The audience gave a gasp of astonishment
2. (British, slang): A draw or drag on a cigarette (or gasper).I'm popping out for a gasp.

Verb

1. (intransitive) To draw in the breath suddenly, as if from a shock.The audience gasped as the magician disappeared.
2. (intransitive) To breathe laboriously or convulsively.We were all gasping when we reached the summit.
• LloydShe gasps and struggles hard for life.
3. (transitive) To speak in a breathless manner.The old man gasped his last few words.
4. To pant with eagerness; to show vehement desire.I'm gasping for a cup of tea.
• SpenserQuenching the gasping furrows' thirst with rain.

Interjection

1. (humorous) The sound of a gasp.Gasp! What will happen next?

Anagrams

• gaps
• spag, SPAG