Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
collective-gasp
noun
/kəˈlɛktɪv ɡæsp/

Definition
A sudden intake of breath taken simultaneously by a group of people, often in response to surprise or shock.

Examples
- As the magician revealed his final trick, there was a collective gasp from the audience.
- When the news broke about the unexpected event, a collective gasp echoed through the crowd.

Meaning
The term refers to a shared reaction among a group, where everyone gasps at the same time, indicating a collective feeling of astonishment or horror.

Synonyms
- joint gasp
- simultaneous intake of breath
- shared astonishment