Gaspings

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A series of short, labored breaths, often associated with shock or surprise
2. The action of drawing in air suddenly and audibly, typically due to a strong emotional reaction
3. A state where quick, shallow breaths occur, revealing distress or excitement

Etymology: "Gaspings" is the plural of "gasping," so it names repeated episodes of the act of gasping, the sudden, breathless intakes of air that the noun describes. The base word "gasp" is the source of the more basic meaning here, and the plural simply counts those breaths or bursts of breathlessness as separate events.

Synonyms: pantings, heavings, breathings, sighings, wheezings

Antonyms: calm breaths, sighs, exhales, inhales, breathings