rə̇ˈspī(ə)r, rēˈs-, -īə verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English respiren, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French respirer to revive, from Latin respirare to blow back, breathe, breathe again, recover breath, from re- + spirare to blow, breathe — more at spirit
intransitive verb
1. : to have or enjoy a breathing space or respite : revive ; also : to recover hope or courage
2. obsolete , of the wind : blow
3.
a. : breathe ; specifically : to inhale air into the lungs and exhale it from them successively in carrying on the gaseous exchange of the blood
b. : to engage in or perform respiration
4. of a cell or tissue : to take up oxygen and produce carbon dioxide through oxidation
transitive verb
1. : to breathe (as air) in and out : inspire and expire
2. : to give off as or as if an exhalation : exhale