English

Verb

take a breath ‎(third-person singular simple present takes a breath, present participle taking a breath, simple past took a breath, past participle taken a breath)

1. (idiomatic) To inhale and subsequently exhale air.
   • 1963, Margery Allingham, chapter 15, in The China Governess:

     She paused and took a defiant breath. ‘If you don't believe me, I can't help it. But I'm not a liar.’

Derived terms

• take a deep breath