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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of hyperventilate Some may also hyperventilate, which can lead to fainting as well. Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2025 Belly hyperventilates and runs to the bathroom to calm down with Taylor. Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for hyperventilate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hyperventilate
Verb
  • When visitors enter and see the massive aircraft, slightly tilted to give the illusion of takeoff and framed by floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Simi Valley hills, their first reaction is to gasp, Trulio said.
    Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 1 Nov. 2025
  • Occasionally a voice would gasp at the window.
    Ryan Knighton, AFAR Media, 31 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Your dog starts panting and won’t settle down.
    Maria Williams, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Her husband was a bear — wild, panting, with sweat pasting his T-shirt to his chest.
    Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hyperventilate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hyperventilate. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.

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