hyperventilation

noun

hy·​per·​ven·​ti·​la·​tion ˌhī-pər-ˌven-tə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce hyperventilation (audio)
: excessive rate and depth of respiration leading to abnormal loss of carbon dioxide from the blood

Examples of hyperventilation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Deep breathing can lead to hyperventilation—rapid breathing, leading to low carbon dioxide levels in the blood—when done improperly. Michael Menna, Verywell Health, 4 Nov. 2024 According to one systematic review, breathing exercises can help people with asthma improve their quality of life, lung function, and hyperventilation symptoms.11 Are There Any Downsides to Deep Breathing? Michael Menna, Verywell Health, 4 Nov. 2024 For those in the outside world prone to hyperventilation, Sunday’s loss provided a trigger with no shortage of extreme reactions and suggestions to combat the misery. Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2024 These practices often involve periods of hyperventilation (heavy fast breathing) mixed with breath-holding. Bree Grant, refinery29.com, 7 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for hyperventilation 

Word History

First Known Use

1928, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hyperventilation was in 1928

Dictionary Entries Near hyperventilation

Cite this Entry

“Hyperventilation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hyperventilation. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

hyperventilation

noun
hy·​per·​ven·​ti·​la·​tion ˌhī-pər-ˌvent-ᵊl-ˈā-shən How to pronounce hyperventilation (audio)
: breathing that is very fast and deep and leads to abnormal loss of carbon dioxide from the blood
hyperventilate
-ˈvent-ᵊl-ˌāt
verb

Medical Definition

hyperventilation

noun
hy·​per·​ven·​ti·​la·​tion -ˌvent-ᵊl-ˈā-shən How to pronounce hyperventilation (audio)
: excessive ventilation
specifically : excessive rate and depth of respiration leading to abnormal loss of carbon dioxide from the blood

called also overventilation

More from Merriam-Webster on hyperventilation

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