Definition of BREATHE

breathe

Meanings

Plural: breathe, breathed

Verb

  • draw air into, and expel out of, the lungs
    • "I can breathe better when the air is clean"
  • be alive
    • "Every creature that breathes"
  • impart as if by breathing
    • "He breathed new life into the old house"
  • allow the passage of air through
    • "Our new synthetic fabric breathes and is perfect for summer wear"
  • utter or tell
    • "not breathe a word"
  • manifest or evince
    • "She breathes the Christian spirit"
  • take a short break from one's activities in order to relax
  • reach full flavor by absorbing air and being let to stand after having been uncorked
    • "This rare Bordeaux must be allowed to breathe for at least 2 hours"
  • expel (gases or odors)
  • To draw air into (inhale), and expel air from (exhale), the lungs in order to extract oxygen and excrete waste gases.
  • To take in needed gases and expel waste gases in a similar way.
  • To inhale (a gas) to sustain life.
  • To live.
  • To draw something into the lungs.
  • To expel air from the lungs, exhale.
  • To exhale or expel (something) in the manner of breath.
  • To give an impression of, to exude.
  • To whisper quietly.
  • To pass like breath; noiselessly or gently; to emanate; to blow gently.
  • To inspire (scripture).
  • To exchange gases with the environment.
  • To rest; to stop and catch one's breath.
  • To stop, to give (a horse) an opportunity to catch its breath.
  • To exercise; to tire by brisk exercise.
  • To passionately devote much of one's life to (an activity, etc.).

Origin / Etymology

From Middle English brethen (“to breathe, blow, exhale, odour”), derived from Middle English breth (“breath”). Eclipsed Middle English ethien and orðiæn, from Old English ēþian and orþian (“to breathe”); as well as Middle English anden, onden, from Old Norse anda (“to breathe”). More at breath.

Synonyms

breathe, catch one's breath, draw breath, emit, inbreathe, live and breathe, pass off, respire, rest, spire, suspire, take a breath, take a breather

Antonyms

asphyxiate, choke, hold one's breath, suffocate

Scrabble Score: 12

breathe is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
breathe is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
breathe is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 12

breathe is a valid Words With Friends word