# gasp

/ˈɡæsp/ (US) · /ɡˈɑːsp/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/gasp
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. from shock or surprise

verb · CEFR B2

to take a quick, deep breath because you are very surprised, shocked, or hurt.

For teachers: to inhale suddenly and sharply, typically as an involuntary reaction to shock, surprise, or physical pain.

- The audience gasped when the magician suddenly disappeared from the stage.
- The crowd gasped in collective disbelief as the underdog athlete surged past the world champion in the final ten metres of the race.

Usage: often used with 'at' to show the cause of the shock.

### 2. struggling for air

verb · CEFR B2

to breathe quickly and with difficulty, especially after running or when you are very hot.

For teachers: to breathe laboriously or convulsively, often due to physical exertion or a lack of oxygen.

- He was gasping for breath after running up the five flights of stairs.
- Emerging from the smoke-filled corridor, the firefighters were gasping for fresh air as they removed their heavy oxygen masks.

Usage: frequently followed by 'for' as in 'gasping for air'.

### 3. a sudden breath

noun · CEFR B2

the act or sound of breathing in suddenly.

For teachers: a convulsive or sudden intake of breath.

- There was a loud gasp from the back of the room when the news was announced.
- A sharp gasp escaped her lips as she realised she had left her passport on the kitchen counter.

Usage: often used in the phrase 'a gasp of surprise' or 'a gasp of horror'.

## Examples

- She let out a loud gasp when she saw the surprise.
- The audience began to gasp as the magician appeared to vanish into thin air right before their eyes.
- He struggled to gasp for air after the sprint, his lungs burning from the sudden intensity of the race against the clock.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.