inhale
UK: ɪnˈheɪl | US: ɪnˈheɪl
vt. to breathe in; draw air or smoke into the lungs
vi. to take in breath
The word "inhale" originates from Latin inhālāre, combining in- (meaning "into") and hālāre (meaning "to breathe"). The root hale is also seen in related words like "exhale" (breathe out) and "halitosis" (bad breath). Over time, "inhale" evolved in English to specifically mean the act of drawing air or vapor into the lungs, reflecting its literal Latin roots. The prefix in- reinforces the directional action of breathing inward.
She paused to inhale deeply before diving underwater.
Doctors advise patients not to inhale smoke for lung health.
The yoga instructor reminded the class to inhale slowly through the nose.
The machine helps astronauts inhale oxygen in space.
He accidentally inhaled a small piece of dust and coughed.