Search results for 'breath':

breath noun 1 physiol the air drawn into, and then expelled from, the lungs. 2 exhaled air as odour, vapour or heat • felt his breath on my face • bad breath. 3 a single inhalation of air • a deep breath. 4 a faint breeze. 5 a slight hint, suggestion or rumour • not a breath of scandal. 6 a slight trace of perfume, etc. 7 life; the power or ability to breathe • not while I have breath in my body. a breath of fresh air colloq 1 a walk in the open air. 2 a refreshing and invigorating change, new arrival, etc. catch one's breath to stop breathing for a moment, from fear, amazement or pain, etc. draw breath 1 to breathe; to be alive. 2 colloq, especially with negatives to stop talking. get one's breath back 1 to begin breathing normally again after strenuous exercise. 2 to recover from a shock or surprise. hold one's breath 1 to stop oneself from breathing or from breathing out, especially when one is anxious, tense or trying to avoid being heard. 2 colloq to wait anxiously or expectantly; to expect some imminent change, result, outcome, etc • They are notoriously slow, so don't hold your breath! in the same breath colloq usually said of something spoken, at the very next moment; virtually at the same time. out of or short of breath breathless, especially after strenuous exercise. take one's or someone's breath away colloq to astound or amaze one or them (see also breathtaking). under one's breath in a whisper. waste one's breath to speak without any effect or without being heeded.
ETYMOLOGY: Anglo-Saxon bræth.