pant — to breathe quickly and heavily, especially after physical exertion
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to breathe quickly and heavily, especially after physical exertion
Pronunciation (IPA): /pænt/
Example Sentences
- My cat pants like a dog whenever it's nervous at the vet.
- After climbing 20 flights of stairs, he was panting so hard he sounded like a steam engine.
- The marathon runner was panting at the finish line.
pant
VERB[/pænt/]
to breathe quickly and heavily, especially after physical exertion
Breathing heavily after intense exercise
I pant so hard, but can't save this plant
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word derives from Middle French 'pantoisier', originally meaning 'to suffer from nightmares'. According to Greek mythology, the etymology is connected to Pan, the god who inspired such terror in mortals that they gasped and panted in fear—a phenomenon known as 'panic'.
Breakdown
Middle French 'pantoisier' (to nightmare, to gasp) → English 'pant' (to breathe heavily, to gasp). The root is etymologically linked to the Greek god Pan, whose appearance allegedly caused sudden fear and rapid breathing in those who encountered him.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My cat pants like a dog whenever it's nervous at the vet.”
“After climbing 20 flights of stairs, he was panting so hard he sounded like a steam engine.”
“The marathon runner was panting at the finish line.”
“She pants for his attention like a puppy wanting treats.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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