'gasp' originates from Old Norse, specifically the word 'geispa', where 'geispa' meant 'to yawn or gape'.

'geispa' transformed into the Middle English word 'gaspen', and eventually became the modern English word 'gasp'.

Initially, it meant 'to yawn or gape', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to inhale suddenly with the mouth open, out of pain or astonishment'.