Definition of hyperventilatenext
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 And yes, Gundlach is rightfully hyperventilating about these offenders, but there are some perfectly good payout babies in this bathwater. Brett Owens, Forbes.com, 14 May 2026 She was even famously hospitalized for hyperventilating while watching a Lakers game from home. Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 2 May 2026 If this sounds like a laundry list of hyperventilating superlatives, then my work here is largely done. Joshua Kosman, San Francisco Chronicle, 15 Nov. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for hyperventilate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hyperventilate
Verb
  • The power outages caused by storms that roared through the region nearly two weeks ago have one resident of this Rust Belt city literally gasping for air.
    Selina Guevara, NBC news, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Loud, frequent snoring paired with gasping, choking or pauses in breathing may point to obstructive sleep apnea.
    Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 20 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The Row Frima pants $3,150 Track Star The track jacket is my fall answer to fashion’s (and my personal) ongoing love affair with sport—styled with a touch of Saint Laurent and Celine polish for everyday or taken full pro athlete à la Balenciaga.
    Minty Mellon, Vogue, 24 Aug. 2026
  • The delivery person added that none of the canines appeared to have access to food or sufficient water, and that all the animals were panting.
    Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 3 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Hyperventilate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hyperventilate. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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