breathe

[[t]brið[/t]]

v. breathed(brētd), breath•ing.

1) phl to take air, oxygen, etc., into the lungs and expel it; inhale and exhale; respire

2) to pause, as for breath; rest

3) to move or blow gently, as air

4) to live; exist

5) to be redolent of

6) tex (of a material) to allow air and moisture to pass through easily

7) phl (of the skin) to absorb oxygen and give off perspiration

8) vin (of a wine) to be exposed to air after being uncorked, in order to develop flavor and bouquet

9) phl to inhale and exhale in respiration

10) to exhale:

breathing fire[/ex]

11) to inject as if by breathing; infuse:

to breathe life into a party[/ex]

12) to give utterance to; whisper:

Don't breathe a word of it[/ex]

13) to express; manifest

14) to allow to rest or recover breath:

to breathe a horse[/ex]

15) to deprive of breath, as by exercise; tire

•

- breathe down someone's neck breathe freely, to have relief from anxiety, tension, or pressure. Also, breathe easily, breathe easy.

Etymology: 1250–1300; ME brethen, der. of breath