as in to gasp
to breathe hard, quickly, or with difficulty
he was so nervous he began hyperventilating, and the extra oxygen made him dizzy
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hyperventilate
Breathing difficulties: The shock of sudden cold-water exposure can cause bouts of wheezing, gasping, and rapid breathing (hyperventilating).
—
Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 9 July 2025
One man began to hyperventilate while handcuffed on the ground after being detained.
—Alexandra Mendoza, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 May 2025
For full effect read it aloud and hyperventilate a little.
—Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 19 May 2025
Then Tanev left the game, and fans were probably hyperventilating.
—James Mirtle, New York Times, 10 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for hyperventilate
Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 9 July 2025
One man began to hyperventilate while handcuffed on the ground after being detained.
—Alexandra Mendoza, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 May 2025
For full effect read it aloud and hyperventilate a little.
—Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 19 May 2025
Then Tanev left the game, and fans were probably hyperventilating.
—James Mirtle, New York Times, 10 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for hyperventilate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hyperventilate
Verb
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Ripa exclaimed after the audience gasped.—
Joey Nolfi,
Entertainment Weekly,
18 Sep. 2025
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Voices gasped, exhaled for a beat, then rose up in screams of horror.—
Eric Levenson,
CNN Money,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
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She was similarly dressed to travel for Thursday’s departure in the aforementioned Ralph Lauren safari jacket and Loro Piana pants.—
Rosemary Feitelberg,
Footwear News,
18 Sep. 2025
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Our elders know how to make tools and sealskin pants the right way.—
Jennie Punter,
Variety,
5 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hyperventilate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hyperventilate. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.
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