inhale

/ɪnˈheɪl/

/ɪnˈheɪl/

Other forms: inhaled; inhaling; inhales

To inhale is to breathe in. It is the opposite of "exhale," which is to breathe out.

When we inhale, we draw air into our lungs through our noses and mouths. Then we exhale, or breathe the air out again. If we do this slowly, as in yoga or meditation, it can be quite relaxing. However, some things like smoke, toxic fumes, or germs might make us sick if we inhale them. And if we accidentally inhale water while we're swimming, it makes us sputter and cough. This is because our lungs are only interested in good, clean air.

Definitions of inhale

1. verb

   draw deep into the lungs by breathing
   type of:

   smoke

   inhale and exhale smoke from cigarettes, cigars, pipes
2. verb

   draw in (air)
   “Inhale deeply”

   “inhale the fresh mountain air”

   synonyms: breathe in, inspire

   antonyms:

   exhale

   expel air

   types:

   aspirate

   suck in (air)

   sniff, sniffle

   inhale audibly through the nose

   snivel, snuffle

   snuff up mucus through the nose

   snuff

   inhale audibly through the nose

   drag, draw, puff

   suck in or take (air)

   huff, snort

   inhale recreational drugs

   gasp

   inhale sharply and suddenly, as with shock

   type of:

   breathe, respire, suspire, take a breath

   draw air into, and expel out of, the lungs