1 [no obj] a : to breathe in suddenly and loudly with your mouth open because of surprise, shock, or pain
▪ Mom gasped in/with surprise at the sight of my sister's new haircut. ▪ He gasped as he stepped into the icy water. 2 [no obj] : to breathe with difficulty : pant
▪ a dying man gasping for breath ▪ She was gasping for air. 3 [+ obj] : to say (something) with quick, difficult breaths
▪ He gasped (out) a plea for mercy. ▪ “Have mercy!” he gasped.
▪ Mom gasped in/with surprise at the sight of my sister's new haircut. ▪ He gasped as he stepped into the icy water.
▪ a dying man gasping for breath ▪ She was gasping for air.
▪ He gasped (out) a plea for mercy. ▪ “Have mercy!” he gasped.
— gasp noun, plural gasps [count]
▪ My sister let out a gasp when I told her the happy news. — see also last-gasp
▪ My sister let out a gasp when I told her the happy news. — see also last-gasp







