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Definition of hyperventilation

hyperventilation

/ˌhaɪ.pɚˌvɛn.tɪˈleɪ.ʃən/
hy · per · ven · ti · la · tion
Plural:hyperventilations
•
Adjective:hyperventilatory
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hyperventilation Lexical Profile

• noun

1

A condition in which a person breathes at an abnormally rapid or deep rate, resulting in an excessive loss of carbon dioxide from the blood that often causes dizziness, tingling in the extremities, and faintness.

Example

"The paramedic coached the anxious passenger through slow, steady breaths to counteract her hyperventilation."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for hyperventilation
Antonyms
View all antonyms for hyperventilation

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse hyperventilation (excessively rapid or deep breathing) with hypoventilation (abnormally slow or shallow breathing that leads to an accumulation of carbon dioxide).

• Rhymes for hyperventilation

• Nearby Words

hypertext
hyperthermia
hyperventilate
hyperventilation
hypervigilant
hyphen
hyphenate

Word Origin & Etymology

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

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

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