heavy breathing
"Heavy breathing" can indicate various physical or emotional states, often used in medical, social, and artistic contexts.
Definition
C1Artistic
(literary, cinematic)A narrative tool used to convey strong emotions or tension, often in scenes depicting passion or fear.
Example
- In the novel, the character's heavy breathing underscored his panic and urgency.
- The movie used heavy breathing to build suspense during the chase scene.
B2Medical
(technical)A pattern of deep and labored respiration, often due to physical exertion or medical conditions like asthma or heart failure.
Example
- Heavy breathing can be a symptom of respiratory infections or cardiovascular issues.
- After running a marathon, she experienced heavy breathing as her body recovered.
B1Social
(informal)The sound of loud and intense breathing, often linked to emotions such as excitement, anxiety, or exhaustion.
Example
- After climbing the steep hill, she paused to catch her breath, her heavy breathing echoing in the quiet.
- He was so nervous before the presentation that his heavy breathing was audible.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "heavy breathing":
heavy breatherrough breathingstagger breathingmouth breathingmouth breathertake a breathdying gaspnasal breathingbreathing spacehold one's breathsigh of reliefbreath and britches