gasp 
(găsp)
(găsp)v. gasped, gasp·ing, gasps
v.intr.
1. To draw in the breath sharply, as from shock.
2. To breathe convulsively or laboriously: gasping for air.
v.tr.
To utter in a breathless manner.
n.
A short convulsive intake or catching of the breath.
[Middle English gaspen, gaispen, to gape, yawn, from Old Norse geispa, to yawn.]