Single word for "inhale using your mouth with force or power"

There are a few words that come to mind, but all have subtle connotations:

  • gasp - connotes desperation or exhaustion, the boy gave a gasp of agony.
  • gulp - connotes taking in a large quantity of air in a single action, some may gulp air at the water surface but not absorb the contained O2 for respiration.
  • suck - connotes drawing in air gradually, he began to suck in air through his mouth.

If I understand what you mean, this is generally described as a sharp intake of breath.


Gasp would be most apt, I reckon.