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Definition of overbreathe

overbreathe

/ˌoʊvərˈbriːð/
o · ver · breathe
Past Simple:overbreathed
•
Past Participle:overbreathed
•
Present Participle:overbreathing
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overbreathe Lexical Profile

overbreathe Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To breathe at an abnormally rapid or deep rate, often resulting in decreased carbon dioxide levels in the blood.

Example

"During severe panic attacks, patients often overbreathe, which can lead to dizziness and tingling in their extremities."

2

To demand more air or breathing gas from an underwater breathing apparatus than it is capable of supplying (often used in diving contexts).

Example

"At extreme depths, a stressed diver can easily overbreathe their regulator, causing immense physical distress."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for overbreathe
Antonyms
View all antonyms for overbreathe

• Rhymes for overbreathe

• Nearby Words

overbooking
overboot
overbought
overbreathe
overbred
overbreed
overbridge

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the English language by combining the prefix 'over-' (excessive) with the verb 'breathe', widely adopted in the early 20th century in physiological and medical contexts.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

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