respire
[ ri-spahyuhr ]
verb (used without object),re·spired, re·spir·ing.
to inhale and exhale air for the purpose of maintaining life; breathe.
to breathe freely again, after anxiety, trouble, etc.
verb (used with object),re·spired, re·spir·ing.
to breathe; inhale and exhale.
to exhale.
Origin of respire
1Other words from respire
- pre·re·spire, verb (used with object), pre·re·spired, pre·re·spir·ing.
- un·re·spired, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
British Dictionary definitions for respire
respire
/ (rɪˈspaɪə) /
verb
to inhale and exhale (air); breathe
(intr) to undergo the process of respiration
literary to breathe again in a relaxed or easy manner, as after stress or exertion
Origin of respire
1C14: from Latin rēspīrāre to exhale, from re- + spīrāre to breathe; see spirit 1
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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