gasping
Definitions
Inhaling suddenly with a sharp intake of breath, often due to surprise, pain, or shock.
Breathing with difficulty or in short, labored gasps, typically due to physical exertion or lack of air.
Examples
The marathon runner crossed the finish line, gasping for air after the grueling race.
She woke up gasping from a terrifying nightmare that felt all too real.
The crowd stood in silence, gasping in shock as the acrobat slipped from the high wire.
Synonyms
panting wheezing choking puffing struggling labored breathless