'gasp' originates from Middle English (recorded as 'gaspen' or 'gasp'), probably influenced by Dutch or Low German words such as 'gapen' meaning 'to gape' or 'to open the mouth', referring to the opening of the mouth when breathing sharply.

'gasp' changed from Middle English 'gaspen' (or variants) and likely under the influence of Low German/Dutch 'gapen', and eventually became the modern English verb and noun 'gasp' and its derivatives (e.g., 'gasping').

Initially it was linked to the idea of opening the mouth or gaping (similar to 'gape' or 'yawn'), but over time it evolved to mean a sudden, convulsive intake of breath or an audible short breath.