BREATHE HARD Meaning and
Definition
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The phrase "breathe hard" refers to the act of inhaling and exhaling with audible and intense effort. It is an expression used to describe someone who is breathing heavily, often due to physical exertion or intense emotional states. When a person "breathes hard," they typically take rapid and deep breaths, audibly gasping for air or panting, in an attempt to replenish oxygen levels in the body.
The act of "breathing hard" usually implies a sense of exertion or strain. It commonly occurs during vigorous physical activities such as exercising, running, or engaging in intense sports. In these scenarios, the body demands more oxygen to meet the increased energy requirements, and as a result, the breathing becomes more rapid and pronounced.
Additionally, "breathing hard" can also be associated with intense emotions such as fear, anxiety, or excitement. In moments of heightened emotional states, the body's sympathetic nervous system activates, leading to faster and deeper breaths. This is commonly observed in situations like experiencing a panic attack, feeling nervous before a public speaking engagement, or being startled by something unexpected.
In summary, "breathe hard" refers to the audible and intense breathing that occurs during strenuous physical activities or moments of heightened emotional states where deeper and faster breaths are needed to maintain oxygen supply within the body.
Etymology of BREATHE HARD
The words "breathe hard" can be analyzed by breaking them down into their constituents: "breathe" and "hard".
The term "breathe" originates from the Old English word "brēothan", which meant "to breathe, to exhale". This Old English word can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "brauthan", meaning "to breathe, smell, or emit". In turn, this can be connected to the Proto-Indo-European root word "*bhreus-" or "*bhreu-", meaning "to bubble, boil, burn".
The word "hard", originating from the Old English word "heard", referred to something sturdy, firm, or strong. It can be linked to the Proto-Germanic word "harduz", meaning "hard or strong".
