Dictionary entries for 'breathe'

Synonyms

breathe (brēTH)

[Middle English brethen, from breth, breath; see breath.]

verb: breathed, breath·ing, breathes.

To inhale and exhale air, especially when naturally and freely.
To be alive; live: A nicer person has never breathed.
To pause to rest or regain breath: Give me a moment to breathe.
To move or blow gently, as air.
To allow air to pass through: a natural fabric that breathes.
To be exhaled or emanated, as a fragrance.
To be manifested or suggested, as an idea or feeling: A sense of calm breathed from the landscape.
To reach fullness of flavor and aroma through exposure to air. Used chiefly of wine.
To require air in the combustion process. Used of an internal-combustion engine.

To inhale and exhale (air, for example) during respiration.
To inhale (an aroma, for example): breathe the lush scent of lilacs.
To impart as if by breathing; instill: an artist who knows how to breathe life into a portrait.
To exhale (something); emit.
To utter, especially quietly: Don't breathe a word of this.
To make apparent or manifest; suggest: Their manner breathed self-satisfaction.
To allow (a person or animal) to rest or regain breath.
Linguistics To utter with a voiceless exhalation of air.
To draw in (air) for the combustion process. Used of an internal-combustion engine.

breathe down (someone's) neck: To threaten by proximity, especially by pursuing closely. To watch or monitor closely, often annoyingly: The boss was breathing down my neck all morning.
breathe easily: To be relaxed or relieved, especially after a period of tension.
breathe (one's) last: To die.