gasp etymology

Etymology:

• Old English "geaspian" (to startle, amaze)
• Proto-Germanic "gastjan" (to frighten)
• Proto-Indo-European root "*gheis-" (to terrify)

Meaning:

• To make a sudden involuntary intake of breath due to surprise, shock, or fear.
• To express surprise, shock, or fear by making such a sound.

Origin:

The word "gasp" has its roots in the Proto-Indo-European language, spoken thousands of years ago. It is related to the words "ghost" and "ghast", which also have roots in the root "*gheis-" meaning "to terrify".

The word "gasp" began to be used in English in the 15th century. It was originally used to describe a sudden intake of breath after being startled or shocked. Over time, it came to be used more broadly to describe any sudden, involuntary intake of breath.

Today, "gasp" is a common word used in both written and spoken English. It is used in a variety of contexts, from expressing surprise to depicting the sound of a drowning person.

gasp relate terms

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• gasp

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• gawp

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• hiatus

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