suspire

verb

sus·​pire sə-ˈspī(-ə)r How to pronounce suspire (audio)
suspired; suspiring

intransitive verb

: to draw a long deep breath : sigh

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin suspirare, from sub- + spirare to breathe

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of suspire was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near suspire

Cite this Entry

“Suspire.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/suspire. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on suspire

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!