Gasped

To gasp is to inhale sharply and audibly, often involuntarily, due to surprise, shock, excitement, pain, or difficulty breathing. It signifies a sudden intake of air, usually through the mouth, and can be accompanied by a widening of the eyes or a clutching of the chest. The action often indicates a heightened emotional or physical state. It implies a disruption of normal breathing patterns and reflects an immediate reaction to a stimulus. The quality of a gasp can vary in intensity and duration, ranging from a slight intake of breath to a prolonged and convulsive effort to breathe.

Gasped meaning with examples

• Upon seeing the breathtaking view from the mountaintop, Sarah gasped at the sheer beauty and scale of the panorama. The vibrant colours of the sunset, stretching across the horizon, stole her breath away. She stood transfixed, utterly overwhelmed by the magnificent sight and breathed in deeply the fresh mountain air.
• When the car swerved suddenly, narrowly avoiding a collision, John gasped and slammed on the brakes. The adrenaline surged through him, making his heart pound and his breath come in short, shallow bursts. He looked at the other passengers and felt a wave of relief. The near accident rattled them.
• During the tense moment in the play when the hero revealed his true identity, the audience gasped collectively. The unexpected twist in the plot and the sudden revelation sparked a wave of shock and surprise among those in attendance. The silence was broken by the collective gasps of the patrons.
• After running the marathon, Maria gasped as she crossed the finish line, her body exhausted. Her chest rose and fell rapidly as she gulped for air, and she struggled to regain her composure after pushing her physical limits. She collapsed after, and began to shiver from all the excitement of the race.