English Explanatory Dictionary

with bated breath

English dictionary entry

Meanings

prep_phrase
  1. With reduced breath.
  2. Eagerly; with great anticipation.

Pronunciation

/wɪð ˈbeɪtɪd ˈbɹɛθ/ en-us-with bated breath.ogg en-au-with bated breath.ogg

Word forms

with bated breath with 'bated breath with baited breath

Etymology

From the verb bate, alteration by aphesis of the verb abate (“to reduce; lessen”). Coined by William Shakespeare in The Merchant of Venice, see quotations.

Related words

breathholding don't hold your breath hold one's breath
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