hyperventilate
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˌhaɪpərˈvɛntɪˌleɪt/
KK: /haɪpərˈvɛntɪˌleɪt/
intransitive verb
Definition
To breathe very quickly and deeply, often due to stress or excitement, which can lead to a decrease in carbon dioxide levels in the blood.
Example
When she saw the surprise party, she began to hyperventilate from excitement.
Conversation
I felt so nervous before my presentation today.
Really? I always hyperventilate when I'm anxious about speaking in front of people.
Exactly! I had to take a few deep breaths to calm down.
That's a good idea; it helps me too when I start to feel overwhelmed.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
pant
gasp
wheeze
Antonyms
calm
breathe
relax
transitive verb
Definition
To breathe very quickly and deeply, often due to anxiety or panic, which can lead to a decrease in carbon dioxide levels in the blood.
Example
During the stressful exam, she began to hyperventilate and had to take a moment to calm down.
Tense Forms
Past: hyperventilated
Past Participle: hyperventilated
Conversation
I felt so anxious during the presentation that I almost hyperventilated.
Oh no! That sounds really stressful.
Yeah, I need to find a way to calm down before such events.
Root Explanation
Hyperventilate → It is formed from "hyper-" (meaning over or excessive) and "ventilare" (meaning to fan or to blow). The word describes the act of breathing excessively or too rapidly, leading to an increased intake of air.
Memory Tip
Think of 'hyper-' meaning excessive and 'ventilate' meaning to breathe or blow air. This helps you remember that hyperventilate means to breathe too much or too fast.
Visually Confused Words
overventilate
reventilate