Bated breath
noun
the condition of waiting for something to happen; subdued breathing due to high emotions
Examples
With bated breath, they went to the mailbox every day.
Word Origin
1933; based on bate meaning ‘to moderate, restrain’
Contemporary Examples
We all may have waited with bated breath for Wiig’s big, first post-Bridesmaids, post-SNL star vehicle.
Is Kristen Wiig Still ‘Girl Most Likely’ to Succeed? Kevin Fallon July 21, 2013
Throughout Christmas eve and day, the world is monitoring with bated breath.
Sweden’s Burning Christmas Goat Nina Strochlic December 24, 2014
Hawking took 10 minutes to build up the answer on his computer and the audience waited with bated breath.
Richard Dawkins: How I Write Noah Charney November 26, 2013
Historical Examples
With bated breath and throbbing heart I watched his slow progress across the open country.
Cruisings in the Cascades George O. Shields
The first words which he said were spoken sacredly, with bated breath.
Murder Point Coningsby Dawson
The very postman and tradesmen only approach it with bated breath.
Jonathan and His Continent Max O’Rell
Dorothy listened with bated breath, then turned quickly to Katy.
Pretty Madcap Dorothy Laura Jean Libbey
And with bated breath they let the dead cart rumble by with its ghastly burden.
Faithful Margaret Annie Ashmore
To flee was impossible, so with bated breath he stood his ground.
The Boy Land Boomer Ralph Bonehill
I was kneeling by Jack, and was not intended to hear what all were too hot and excited to guard by bated breath.
Hugh Wynne, Free Quaker S. Weir Mitchell
n.
see bate (v.1).
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