Gasp can mean to breathe quickly and sharply because the body feels strong pain or shock from cold or injury.
She gasped at the cold water splash.
He gasped when his leg was hurt.
A gasp is a quick, sharp breath a person takes when surprised, shocked, or tired. It is the sound made by this quick breath.
She gave a gasp of surprise at the gift.
After the race, he took a loud gasp.
Gasp can also mean to have trouble breathing, usually when you do not get enough air. This can happen when someone chokes or is very tired.
He gasped for air under the water.
She gasped when she got hurt badly.
Sometimes gasp means to say something with a short breath because you are shocked or scared. It is like trying to speak but feeling breathless.
He gasped the news without words.
She gasped her name in fear.
In a very rare and informal way, gasp can mean to say or spell letters one by one, usually to show surprise or drama. This use is not common.
She gasped the acronym slowly for effect.
He gasped the word to stress each letter.
A gasp is a sound people make when surprised or shocked. It is the noise made when they suddenly breathe in fast.
There was a gasp from the crowd at the trick.
Her gasp showed she was very surprised.
