Pronunciation: /ɡæsp/

Definitions of gasp

noun a sudden, short intake of breath, as in shock or surprise

Example Sentences

A1 She let out a gasp when she saw the surprise party.

A2 The little girl gave a gasp of excitement when she saw the puppies.

B1 There was a collective gasp from the audience when the magician made the rabbit disappear.

B2 The unexpected plot twist in the movie caused a gasp from the viewers.

C1 The gasp of disbelief could be heard throughout the courtroom as the verdict was read.

C2 Her gasp of pain echoed through the room as she stubbed her toe on the table.

verb to inhale suddenly and with effort, as if from surprise or exertion

Example Sentences

A1 She gasped when she saw the spider on the wall.

A2 The children gasped in surprise as the magician made a rabbit appear.

B1 The hiker gasped for breath as she reached the mountain peak.

B2 The audience gasped at the unexpected plot twist in the movie.

C1 The news of the scandal made everyone gasp in disbelief.

C2 The beauty of the sunset was enough to make anyone gasp in awe.

Examples of gasp in a Sentence

formal She let out a gasp of surprise when she saw the final result of the experiment.

informal I couldn't help but gasp when I saw how much food he could eat in one sitting.

slang When she walked into the party, everyone just gasped at how amazing she looked.

figurative The beauty of the sunset made me gasp in awe at the wonders of nature.

Grammatical Forms of gasp

past tense

gasped

plural

gasps

comparative

more gasping

superlative

most gasping

present tense

gasp

future tense

will gasp

perfect tense

have gasped

continuous tense

is gasping

singular

gasp

positive degree

gasp

infinitive

to gasp

gerund

gasping

participle

gasping

Origin and Evolution of gasp

First Known Use: 1400 year
Language of Origin: Old Norse
Story behind the word: The word 'gasp' originated from Old Norse 'gæispa' which meant to yawn or to gape.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the meaning of 'gasp' shifted from simply yawning or gaping to specifically referring to a sudden intake of breath as a reaction to surprise, shock, or exertion.