pant
UK[pænt]US[pænt]
v
to breathe quickly and loudly through your mouth, usually because you have been doing physical exercise or because it is very hot
v
to say something while breathing quickly and with difficulty
n
a short quick breath
Etymology
the word 'pant' originates from middle english 'panten', which is believed to be an alteration of the old french 'pantaisier', meaning 'to be breathless' or 'to gasp'. this old french term likely has its roots in vulgar latin 'phantasiare', meaning 'to have nightmares' or 'to be troubled by visions', which itself derives from greek 'phantasia' (appearance, imagination). the core semantic shift moved from the idea of being oppressed by a vision or nightmare, causing breathlessness, to the direct imitation of the sound of gasping for breath. its modern meaning is firmly anchored in this onomatopoeic quality, describing short, quick breaths.
Analysis
this word is a simplex form. it is an onomatopoeic word, imitating the sound of quick, labored breathing.
Examples
the dog began to pant heavily after the long run.
she managed to pant out a warning before collapsing.
he was breathing in short, quick pants after climbing the stairs.