B2nounemotionshealth
US/ɡæsp/
UK/ɡɑːsp/
a short, sharp breath taken in suddenly, often from surprise, shock or pain
In context
The crowd let out a gasp when the lights suddenly went out.
She gave a gasp of surprise when she saw the cake.
He climbed to the top with a final gasp for air.
Words that go with gasp
noun + preposition
- a gasp of surpriseThere was a gasp of surprise from the audience.
verb + noun
- let out a gaspShe let out a gasp when she saw the price.
- give a gaspThe children gave a gasp as the magician disappeared.
adjective + noun
- a sharp gaspShe let out a sharp gasp at the sight of the accident.
- a collective gaspA collective gasp filled the room at the news.
- last gaspThe old shop is at its last gasp after years of losses.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
a gasp of tiredCorrect: a gasp of exhaustion