Bated breath first appeared in Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice in 1605. Using a shortened form of abated, which means "stopped or reduced," the phrase refers to people holding their breath in …

Bated breath What's the meaning of the phrase 'Bated breath'? Breathing that is subdued because of some emotion or difficulty. ‘Waiting with bated breath’ is holding your breath in anticipation.

Feb 6, 2026 · The meaning of WITH BATED BREATH is in a nervous and excited state anticipating what will happen. How to use with bated breath in a sentence.

Bated breath is an idiomatic expression that means holding one’s breath in excitement. Learn its origin and difference from baited breath.

Jul 23, 2024 · The idiom “bated breath” has an interesting history rooted in English literature and language evolution. The phrase means holding one’s breath in anticipation or suspense, often with a …

WITH BATED BREATH definition: Eagerly or anxiously, as in We waited for the announcement of the winner with bated breath. This expression literally means “holding one's breath” (bate means “restrain”).

Eagerly or anxiously, as in We waited for the announcement of the winner with bated breath. This expression literally means "holding one's breath" ( bate means "restrain").

Nov 2, 2019 · “Bated breath” is an idiomatic expression that means to wait anxiously or eagerly for something, often in suspense. It suggests that someone is holding their breath in anticipation of an …

Dec 2, 2025 · Q2: What does “bated breath” mean? A2: It means holding your breath due to anxiety, excitement, or intense anticipation, often with subdued or restrained breathing.

Feb 22, 2022 · The meaning of "bated breath" is to wait for something or someone with nervous excitement. You can use the phrase in any scenario where you are anxiously expecting an outcome, …