hecheln

to pant rapidly, to breathe in quick short gasps

verb HEKH-eln Rare

Usage Note

hecheln describes rapid, shallow panting — associated with dogs, or with people under extreme exertion or panic. It conveys a faster, more frantic breathing quality than keuchen. Encountered in sports and medical descriptions of respiratory distress.

Examples

"Nach dem 400-Meter-Lauf hechelte er keuchend auf der Bahn."

Natural Translation

After the 400-metre run he was panting rapidly on the track.

Literal Translation

After the 400-metre run he panted rapidly on the track.

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