breathe
UK[briːð]US[briːð]
v
to take air into your lungs and send it out again
v
to allow a particular thing, especially a gas, to pass through or out of something
Etymology
the word 'breathe' originates from the old english noun 'brēþ', meaning 'odor, scent, exhalation, or vapor'. this noun is of germanic origin, related to the old high german 'brādam' (breath, steam) and can be traced back to the proto-germanic root 'brēþ-', signifying something emitted or vaporized. the transition from a noun denoting the visible or perceptible product of respiration to a verb describing the act itself is a classic example of semantic conversion in english. thus, the modern abstract verb 'to breathe' logically evolved from the more concrete concept of the 'breath' or vapor that is produced by the act.
Analysis
the word 'breathe' is a modern english verb derived from the middle english 'brethen', which itself came from the old english 'brēþ' (odor, scent, exhalation, vapor). it is a verb formed from a noun root, a common process in germanic languages.
Examples
she opened the window to breathe some fresh air.
the fabric is specially designed to allow your skin to breathe.
after running, he had to stop and breathe deeply for a few minutes.