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essouffler

to wind, to leave breathless

verb eh-soo-FLEH Rare
Body & Health Health & Illness

Origin: From es- (intensive) + souffle 'breath'

Usage Note

Essouffler means to cause someone to become short of breath from physical exertion. Used reflexively, s'essouffler also means to run out of steam figuratively — a project, an economy, or a creative movement can s'essouffler (lose momentum). The noun essoufflement captures both the physical panting and the figurative flagging.

Examples

"La montée des escaliers l'essoufflait rapidement."

Natural Translation

Climbing the stairs quickly left him breathless.

Literal Translation

The climbing of-the stairs him-winded quickly.

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