gasping
UK[ˈɡɑːspɪŋ]US[ˈɡæspɪŋ]
adj
breathing with difficulty, making a convulsive effort to breathe
adj
feeling a strong sense of shock or amazement
Etymology
the word 'gasping' originates from the middle english verb 'gaspen', which is believed to be of scandinavian origin, akin to the old norse 'geispa', meaning 'to yawn'. this connection suggests an early semantic link to the involuntary, open-mouthed intake of breath characteristic of both yawning and labored breathing. over time in english, the meaning specialized to denote a sharp, convulsive inhalation, often due to surprise, exertion, or suffocation. the present participle form 'gasping' thus functions as an adjective describing the state of making such strenuous breaths or, by extension, experiencing intense shock or desire.
Analysis
the word is a simplex form derived from the verb 'gasp'. it is of scandinavian origin, related to old norse 'geispa' meaning 'to yawn'.
Examples
the gasping runner finally crossed the finish line and collapsed.
we were left gasping at the audacity of the political scandal.
he was gasping for air after being pulled from the water.