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Definition of hyperventilate

hyperventilate

/ˌhaɪ.pɚˈvɛn.tə.leɪt/
hy · per · ven · ti · late
Adjective:hyperventilatory
•
Past Simple:hyperventilated
•
Past Participle:hyperventilated
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Present Participle:hyperventilating
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hyperventilate Lexical Profile

hyperventilate Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To breathe at an abnormally rapid and deep rate, resulting in a decrease of carbon dioxide in the blood and often causing dizziness or fainting.

Example

"The anxious passenger began to hyperventilate as the airplane encountered severe turbulence."

2

To become overly excited, panicked, or agitated, or to express oneself in a breathless, hysterical manner (informal and figurative).

Example

"The media tended to hyperventilate over every minor fluctuation in the stock market."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for hyperventilate

• Nearby Words

hypertensive
hypertext
hyperthermia
hyperventilate
hyperventilation
hypervigilant
hyphen

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 20th century from the Greek prefix 'hyper-' (meaning 'over' or 'beyond') and the English verb 'ventilate', from Latin 'ventilare' (meaning 'to fan' or 'to expose to wind', derived from 'ventus' meaning 'wind').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Hyperventilate. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/hyperventilate
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