Rebreathe

To inhale and exhale air that has already been breathed, often in a closed or confined space, leading to the recycling of exhaled carbon dioxide and reduced oxygen levels. This process can occur intentionally, such as when using certain types of breathing apparatus, or unintentionally, such as when trapped in a poorly ventilated area. Rebreathing, depending on the context, can have significant effects on the body, including lightheadedness, altered mental states, and in extreme cases, suffocation. The term often implies a lack of fresh air intake and is often associated with techniques of breath control.

Rebreathe meaning with examples

• The astronaut’s helmet malfunctioned, forcing him to rebreathe his own exhaled air, resulting in a rapid increase in CO2 and impaired cognitive function as he waited for assistance.
• During the cave-in, the trapped miners had to rebreathe the stagnant air within the collapsed tunnel system, heightening their panic and worsening their physical condition while hoping for rescue.
• The scuba diver felt disoriented and lightheaded after a sudden surge of activity, realizing he'd been rebreathing from the poorly maintained regulator, leading to a dangerous lack of oxygen.
• In the survival situation, they constructed a makeshift shelter, and due to poor ventilation, were forced to rebreathe the humid, carbon dioxide-rich air throughout the night, causing headaches.
• The actor deliberately re-breathed his air while acting out his scene, using the practice to get into his character's state of extreme anxiety and desperation, making it a method technique.