Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

hold-one's-breath

idiom
/hoʊld wʌnz brɛθ/
Definition
To stop breathing temporarily, usually because of surprise, fear, or anticipation.
Examples
  • She held her breath as she waited for the results of the competition.
  • When he was about to propose, he held his breath, hoping for the right moment.
  • During the thrilling movie scene, everyone in the theater seemed to hold their breath.
Meaning
To hold one’s breath means to refrain from breathing, often in a moment of intense focus or excitement.
Synonyms
  • stay silent
  • pause
  • wait silently