v. 1 intr. take air into and expel it from the lungs. 2 intr. be or seem alive (is she breathing?). 3 tr. a utter; say (esp. quietly) (breathed her forgiveness). b express; display (breathed defiance). 4 intr. take breath, pause. 5 tr. send out or take in (as if) with breathed air (breathed new life into them; breathed whisky). 6 intr. (of wine, fabric, etc.) be exposed to fresh air. 7 intr. a sound, speak (esp. quietly). b (of wind) blow softly. 8 tr. allow (a horse etc.) to breathe; give rest after exertion. breathe again (or freely) recover from a shock, fear, etc., and be at ease. breathe down a person's neck follow or check up on a person, esp. menacingly. breathe one's last die. breathe upon tarnish, taint. not breathe a word of keep quite secret.
[ ME f. BREATH ]