respire

• Verbe désuet signifiant respirer, ou se reposer en reprenant son souffle. De nos jours largement remplacé par 'respirer' dans l'usage courant, ou par 'respiration' dans des contextes scientifiques pour le nom correspondant.

An archaic verb meaning to breathe or to take a rest; to recover breath. Now largely replaced by 'respire' in scientific contexts or 'breathe' in common usage.

1. Breathe again easilyC1formal

   To breathe easily again, especially after physical exertion or a period of anxiety or stress.

   Respirer (enfin) à nouveau

   • After the final exam, she could finally respire without worry.
   • He paused at the top of the hill to respire and enjoy the view.
   • Once the crisis passed, the team began to respire more calmly.

   Synonymestake a breather

2. Undergo respirationC1formal

   To undergo the biological and metabolic processes of respiration, involving the intake of oxygen and the release of carbon dioxide.

   Respirer

   • All living cells respire to produce energy.
   • Plants respire at night, taking in oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide.
   • The human body respires continuously to maintain life.

   Synonymesbreathe

   Antonymesasphyxiatesuffocate

3. Inhale and exhaleB2formal

   To draw air into the lungs and then expel it out; to breathe.

   respirer

   • The doctor instructed the patient to respire deeply.
   • He could barely respire due to the thick smoke.
   • She closed her eyes and began to respire slowly and rhythmically.

   Synonymesbreathegasppuffwheeze