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Glite Dictionary
to suck in one's breath

to suck in one's breath

2 6.2
To take air into your lungs quickly when you feel surprised, afraid, or before hard work
  • phrasal verb
  • /sʌk ɪn wʌnz brɛθ/
translation icon : inhalar
  • The hand on her shoulder broke her concentration and caused her to suck in her breath.
  • heard suck in one's breath

Examples

  • Joel blanched, sucked in his breath, and stared wide-eyed at the lifeless creature.

    Fiction book (2000)

  • Benjamin sucked in his breath and glanced at Ella.

    Fiction book (2001)

  • Ben looks up at her and sucks in his breath.

    Fiction book (1995)

  • Ruth felt him suck in his breath.

    Fiction book (2002)

  • Drew had to suck in his breath to keep from revealing his shock.

    Fiction book (1998)

  • "Hardy sucked in his breath and collapsed back in his seat."

    Fiction book (1997)

  • Filled with frustration, I sucked in my breath and swallowed back my tears.

    Fiction book (1995)

  • The stonecutter sucked in his breath in awe.

    Fiction book (2000)

  • Julia sucked in her breath, pulling it into herself as if she would never exhale again.

    Fiction book (2000)

  • Ben looked shocked when he saw the car accident and sucked in his breath.

Synonyms

to gasp
vsto suck in one's breath
155 1.6

To breathe in suddenly, often because of surprise, pain, or heavy exercise

is a sharp intake that can be quieter and used to prepare for effort
to take a deep breath
vsto suck in one's breath
103 2.7

Pull air slowly into your lungs to calm yourself

is a sudden sharp intake usually triggered by surprise or quick effort
to inhale
vsto suck in one's breath
84 2.7

To breathe in air, smoke, or gas into your lungs

is a sudden, sharp intake typically from surprise, fear, or effort
to take a breath
vsto suck in one's breath
67 1.0

To breathe in and out once to calm yourself or prepare to speak

is a sudden sharp intake rather than a deliberate single draw of air
to breathe in
vsto suck in one's breath
54 1.0

To take air into your lungs through your nose or mouth

is a quick sharp intake usually caused by surprise or exertion
to let out a gasp
vsto suck in one's breath
1 3.2

To suddenly breathe in sharply because you are surprised, shocked, or in pain

is an intake often done silently to respond or ready for action

Antonyms

to exhale
62 2.6

To breathe out air or smoke from your lungs

How Sharply

gasp
312 1.8
to suck in one's breath
2 6.2
to breathe in
54 1.0

Surface Forms

suck in one's breath infinitive
sucked in one's breath past
sucked in one's breath past participle
sucking in one's breath present participle
sucks in one's breath third person singular

Morphology

suck + in + one + breath

The meaning 'to inhale sharply' is directly and transparently derived from 'suck' (to pull in), 'in' (indicating inward movement) and 'breath' (air drawn into the lungs); 'one's' simply marks possession. This is a literal compositional verb+particle+object construction common across languages, so a B1 learner who knows the constituent words will readily infer the meaning.

Etymology

The expression suck in one's breath comes from the simple act of quickly pulling air into your mouth and lungs to suck in a sharp breath when something surprises you or when you get ready to do hard work. So, that sudden pull of air is the picture behind the phrase's meaning 'to inhale sharply' in surprise, fear, or to prepare yourself.