Breathless

Breathless describes a state of being out of breath, usually due to exertion, excitement, or anxiety. It can also describe a state of intense anticipation, suspense, or wonder, where one is nearly unable to breathe or speak from the overwhelming emotion. Furthermore, it can convey an urgent or rapid pace or an intense degree of speed, as though time is passing too fast to register or follow. The term emphasizes a heightened emotional or physical state, often temporary but powerful in its impact.

Breathless meaning with examples

• After sprinting to catch the bus, Sarah arrived at her stop, breathless and flushed, fanning herself as she tried to recover her wind. The sudden exertion had completely winded her, and she needed a moment to catch her breath. This was a familiar struggle in the morning rush.
• The audience watched the tightrope walker with breathless anticipation, every movement filled with the potential of either glory or tragedy. Silence filled the air except for nervous murmurs as each move was made, the crowd held their breath, awaiting the final stride.
• The news reporter described the chase scene, painting a breathless picture of the getaway car weaving through traffic, the adrenaline fueled drama of the police pursuit capturing the attention of the city.
• Reading the plot twist in the novel, I became breathless with shock as I read the words on the page, completely unable to comprehend how the story had changed. My heart pounded in my chest.
• The marathon runners crossed the finish line, breathless and exhausted, but triumphant. Having faced their goal they now would embrace the victory of making it this far to the finish line; the exertion was visible.