Definition of gasp

The origin of the word "gasp" can be traced back to the Middle English language in the 14th century. It comes from the Old English word "ge recipen," which means "to take a deep breath." This initial meaning evolved into "to breathe in suddenly or sharply" in Middle English, which eventually led to the modern-day meaning of "to breathe in with a sudden, loud intake of breath, typically because of surprise, astonishment, or exertion." The exact origin of the word "gasp" is not entirely clear, but some linguists believe it may have derived from the Old Norse word "gops," which means "jerk" or "spasm," due to the sudden and obvious intake of breath that accompanies a gasp. The word may have been introduced into English through contact with Old Norse-speaking Scandinavian invaders during the Viking Age. Throughout history, the word "gasp" has been used in various contexts, from literature and poetry to medicine and psychology. The poet William Shakespeare used the word in his plays, such as "Macbeth" and "Hamlet," while medical texts from the 18th century described "gaping" as a symptom of various illnesses and injuries. Today, the word "gasp" is commonly used in everyday speech to express surprise, shock, or anything else that might cause one to suddenly and loudly intake breath. Whether it's hearing unexpected news, seeing a stunning view, or exerting oneself in physical activity, "gasp" remains a powerful and expressive word that captures the full range of human emotion.