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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 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 For full effect read it aloud and hyperventilate a little. Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for hyperventilate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hyperventilate
Verb
  • The powerful primate makes contact with the glass wall with a heavy thud, which leaves the group near the wall gasping and yelping in fear.
    Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Reactions from the crowd can be heard in the background — with zoo visitors gasping.
    Ashley J. DiMella, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The dog was panting and shifting from one foot to the other.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 Sep. 2025
  • The city, which is the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region, is rich in porticoes—elegant arcaded structures that line the streets and allow the panting pedestrian, at any point, to flee the sunlight’s blaze and seek shade.
    Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hyperventilate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hyperventilate. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

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