verb
take a short break from one's activities in order to relax (Freq. 1)
• Syn: ↑rest, ↑breathe, ↑take a breather
• Derivationally related forms: ↑breather (for: ↑breathe), ↑breathing (for: ↑breathe), ↑rest (for: ↑rest), ↑rester (for: ↑rest)
• Verb Frames:
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Somebody ——s
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phrasal1. : to take in a short involuntary gasp of air
make you catch your breath in excitement — H.J.Laski
2. : to rest long enough to restore normal breathing
they let the horses catch their breath at the top of the long hill
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catch one's breath
1. To rest until one is no longer out of breath
2. To stop breathing for an instant
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Main Entry: ↑breath
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catch one's breath see under ↑breath
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Main Entry: ↑catch
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I1) cease breathing momentarily in surprise or fear
2) rest after exercise to restore normal breathing
she stood for a few moments, catching her breath
1) draw one's breath in sharply as a reaction to an emotion
2) recover one's breath after exertion
Useful english dictionary. 2012.