Gulp Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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gulp

[ษกสŒlp ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

drink quickly

To swallow hurriedly or greedily or in one draught.

Synonyms

chug, guzzle, swallow.

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Word Description / Examples
gulp

This word seems to be repeated. Please disregard this entry.

swallow

A more neutral term that simply describes the act of moving something from the mouth down the throat. It can be used in both positive and negative contexts, depending on the situation.

  • She swallowed the pill with a glass of water
  • He swallowed hard when he realized he had made a mistake
chug

Often used informally to describe drinking large amounts of liquid continuously and quickly, often in a party or contest setting.

  • He chugged the entire bottle of soda in one go
  • At the party, they had a beer-chugging contest
guzzle

Usually implies drinking something quickly in large amounts and often messily. It has a slightly negative connotation, often associated with lack of manners or self-control.

  • He guzzled down two bottles of beer before anyone else even started
  • She guzzled her drink, ignoring everyone around her

Examples of usage

  • He gulped down his coffee before rushing out the door.
  • She gulped the water down in one go.
  • The child gulped the juice eagerly.
  • They gulped the beer and ordered another round.
  • We gulped our drinks and left the bar.
Context #2 | Noun

swallow reflex

A sudden, involuntary inhalation of air through the mouth that is often audibly resonant, usually resulting from stimulation of the pharynx or larynx.

Synonyms

draft, swallow, swig.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
gulp

This word is often used when someone consumes a large amount of liquid quickly, usually in one big breath. It can also express that someone is drinking in a forceful or hurried manner, sometimes indicating nervousness or urgency.

  • He gulped down the water after his run.
  • She gulped nervously before giving her speech.
swallow

This term is more general and can be used to indicate the action of moving liquid or food from the mouth to the stomach. It's neutral and doesn't imply any specific amount or speed.

  • She swallowed the medicine with a glass of water.
  • He swallowed hard, trying to hold back his emotions.
swig

Often used to describe taking a large mouthful of a drink, usually in an informal or relaxed setting. It can sometimes imply a more carefree or even reckless attitude toward drinking.

  • He took a swig from his beer bottle and leaned back on the couch.
  • She grabbed the flask and took a swig to calm her nerves.
draft

Typically used to describe a small sip or a sample of a drink, often beer. This word is more common in a casual setting where someone might want to try a beverage without drinking a lot.

  • Can I get a draft of the local brew?
  • He took a small draft from his glass before speaking.

Examples of usage

  • She let out a gulp of surprise.
  • He felt a gulp of fear rise in his throat.
  • The audience heard a collective gulp of anticipation.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Gulping can affect how we digest food; large bites make it harder to break down substances properly.
  • When gulping air while eating or drinking, it can lead to bloating or discomfort in the stomach.
  • The body's natural response to gulping involves the esophagus working faster to deliver food to the stomach.

Pop Culture

  • In movies and cartoons, characters often gulp dramatically to show surprise or fear, emphasizing comedic moments.
  • Songs and poems use the word โ€˜gulpโ€™ to create a vivid image or express a strong emotion, enhancing storytelling.
  • The phrase 'gulp down a drink' commonly appears in various media to depict relief or satisfaction.

Psychology

  • Gulping may relate to emotional states; people may gulp their drinks more when nervous or anxious.
  • Some psychologists study how eating behaviors, like gulping, are linked to stress or social situations.
  • Social eating can lead to gulping behavior as individuals race to converse while consuming their meals.

Literature

  • Writers often use 'gulp' to convey characters' experiences of fear or excitement, allowing readers to feel tense moments.
  • Famous childrenโ€™s books include hilariously exaggerated scenes with characters gulping down food unexpectedly, adding humor.
  • Poetic expressions often play with the sound of 'gulp', capturing the essence of swift action or sudden emotion.

Origin of 'gulp'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'gulp' comes from the Middle English term 'gulpien', which meant to swallow or to gulp down.
  • It has roots in old words from other languages that also describe the act of swallowing quickly.
  • The first known use of 'gulp' in English dates back to the 14th century.

The word 'gulp' originated in the late Middle English period, possibly as an imitation of the sound made when swallowing quickly or with excitement. It has been used in English to describe the action of drinking quickly or the reflexive act of swallowing air audibly. The word has evolved over time to encompass both the verb and noun forms, often associated with consuming liquids in a hasty or eager manner.


See also: gulping.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,219, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.