Synonyms of hyperventilate

hyperventilate

verb

ˌhī-pər-ˈven-tə-ˌlāt 

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

• gasp
• pant
• heave
• wheeze
• snore
• puff
• choke
• blow
• be out of breath
• gulp
• gag
• exhale
• huff
• asphyxiate
• stifle
• smother
• strangle
• snuffle
• expire

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of hyperventilate

Specifically, a 1940s B-picture conjuring up some heavy Maria Montez mojo, known as Kiss of the Spider Woman — a typically hyperventilating melodrama that featured a vamping diva playing several parts, including the venomous title character. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 11 Oct. 2025

Dingers are fun, as are late-inning chaos sequences, which could come from New York’s hyperventilating bullpen. — Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025

The hyperactive plotting runs on hyperventilating prose. — Book Marks september 11, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2025

Some may also hyperventilate, which can lead to fainting as well. — Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2025