hyperventilate

[/ˌhaɪpərˈvɛntɪleɪt/]
verb
hiperventilação (noun); hiperventilare (verb, less common)
1. to breathe at an abnormally rapid and deep rate, typically caused by anxiety, panic, or physical exertion, leading to excessive carbon dioxide loss and potential dizziness or tingling sensations
She began to hyperventilate when she heard the news about the accident.
Ela começou a hiperventilrar quando ouviu a notícia do acidente.
2. to become extremely excited, anxious, or agitated about something
Don't hyperventilate over the test results; they'll be back in a week.
Não fique desesperado com os resultados do teste; eles voltarão em uma semana.
In Brazilian Portuguese, 'hiperventilação' is primarily a medical term used in healthcare contexts. Figuratively, when discussing emotional reactions, Brazilians often use colloquial terms like 'pirar', 'surtar', or 'entrar em pânico' rather than the literal 'hiperventilação'. In English-speaking cultures, particularly in the USA, the term is commonly used both medically and colloquially to describe panic or extreme anxiety responses.
NYC Slang
freak out, flip out, lose it (when used figuratively for extreme anxiety)
Synonyms / Sinônimos
overbreathingrapid breathingbreathe rapidlypanic breathe
Antonyms / Antônimos
hypoventilatehold one's breathbreathe slowly

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
hiperventilação
Medical/formal term; also used figuratively for extreme anxiety or agitation
Rio de Janeiro
hiperventilação / entrar em pânico
Medical usage common; figurative usage may use 'pirar' or 'surtar' colloquially
São Paulo
hiperventilação / desesperar
Formal medical term preferred; figurative meaning uses 'ficar desesperado'
Portugal
hiperventilação
Same medical terminology; less commonly used figuratively than in Brazil

Related Words

hyperventilationpanic attackanxietybreathing techniquecarbon dioxide

Related Idioms & Phrases

work yourself up into a state
have a panic attack
lose your cool
breathe into a paper bag (remedial action)
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