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with bated breath

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Definition of with bated breath

: in a nervous and excited state anticipating what will happen
  • They waited for the answer on their application with bated breath.

Word by Word Definitions

bate play bated

  1. : to reduce the force or intensity of : restrain

  2. : to take away : deduct

  3. : to lower especially in amount or estimation

  1. : to attempt to fly off something (such as a gauntlet) in fear

See the full definition of bate
breath play

  1. : air filled with a fragrance or odor

  2. : a slight indication : suggestion

  3. : the faculty of breathing

See the full definition of breath

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WORD OF THE DAY

loath

play

unwilling or reluctant

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TRENDING NOW

  1. charlatan 'faker or fraud'

  2. lowlife 'a person of low moral character'

  3. kakistocracy 'government by the worst people'

  4. slimeball 'a morally repulsive or odious person'

  5. salacious 'arousing or appealing to sexual desire'

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