What does gasp mean?
A gasp is a sudden, sharp intake of breath, usually produced involuntarily when someone is shocked, frightened, exhausted, in pain, or briefly deprived of air. The verb gasp describes making that movement or sound, as in a person who gasps for oxygen after running uphill. A gasp may also express amazement, astonishment, or eager attention, especially in phrases associated with wonder or amazement. As a noun, a gasp is the breath itself or the sound it makes, and plural gasps commonly refer to several such reactions. The word is neutral in everyday description but often becomes dramatic in fiction, journalism, and emotional narration. It can also be used figuratively for a reaction of amazement or for a person who seems overcome by surprise. A gasp is usually brief, making it especially effective for emphasizing a moment of shock, relief, or exertion.
To inhale suddenly and sharply, often involuntarily because of shock, pain, exertion, or a lack of air.
"He gasped when the cold water struck his skin."
The verb can also express amazement or eager attention: “The audience gasped at the scale of the model.”
A sudden, sharp intake of breath or the sound produced by it.
"A gasp of surprise passed through the crowd."
The noun is normally countable and has the regular plural gasps.
The regular plural is used for multiple sudden intakes of breath or for the sounds of several people reacting this way.
"Muffled gasps came from behind the curtain."
The word “gasp” began as a synonym for yawning before shifting into the sharp, dramatic breath of shock or surprise.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does gasp come from?
The word entered Middle English in the form gaspen, continuing Old English gispan, originally meaning “to yawn” or “gape.” Its relatives include Old Norse gispa and Old High German gispan, while related English words include gape and yawn. The now-dominant sense of suddenly catching the breath developed by the early 15th century, shifting the word from ordinary gaping or yawning to a more abrupt and often involuntary act.
Related word forms
How gasp is actually used
The word is neutral in everyday description but frequently becomes dramatic in fiction, journalism, and emotional narration. It is common in both British and American English, with no major regional distinction in meaning.
Easily confused with gasp
A gasp is a sudden intake of breath, whereas a grasp is the act of taking hold of something.
Gaping means holding the mouth open, often in astonishment or a prolonged yawn, while gasping specifically emphasizes a sudden, sharp intake of breath.