gasp

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gasp /g'ɑːsp, g'æsp/ (gasps gasping gasped)
1 [N-COUNT] usu with supp
A gasp is a short quick breath of air that you take in through your mouth, especially when you are surprised, shocked, or in pain.
An audible gasp went round the court as the jury announced the verdict...
She gave a small gasp of pain.
2 [VERB] V for n, V, also V with quote
When you gasp, you take a short quick breath through your mouth, especially when you are surprised, shocked, or in pain.
She gasped for air and drew in a lungful of water...
I heard myself gasp and cry out.
3 [PHRASE] usu PHR of n, PHR n
You describe something as the last gasp to emphasize that it is the final part of something or happens at the last possible moment.
...the last gasp of a dying system of censorship...

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