gaspen

to open the mouth wide; exhale

1 / 1

A swimmer breaks the water's surface for air, mouth suddenly open, eyes wide, shoulders lifted and water streaming from his face.

verb / noun

gasp

GASP/ɡæsp/

A sudden sharp intake of breath, often from surprise, pain, or difficulty breathing.

Etymology

gaspMiddle Englishto open the mouth wide; exhale

Middle English gaspen meant “open the mouth wide” or “exhale.” The mouth-opening image remains, while the selected modern sense centers on a sudden inward breath.

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