To suddenly breathe in sharply, usually because you're surprised, scared, or out of breath.
From Middle English gaspen, possibly from Old Norse gæspa meaning to yawn or gape. The word evolved to describe a sharp intake of breath rather than a slow yawn.
Your body gasps automatically when shocked because it's preparing your lungs for action or a fight-or-flight response—it's like your nervous system hitting an emergency button before your brain even consciously registers danger.
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