breathe

Concise Oxford English Dictionary © 2008 Oxford University Press:
breathe/briːð/

▶verb

• 1 take air into the lungs and then expel it as a regular physiological process.

  ■ (of a plant or invertebrate animal) respire or exchange gases.

• 2 say with quiet intensity.

• 3 give an impression of: the room breathed an air of efficiency.

• 4 (of wine) be exposed to fresh air.

• 5 (of material or soil) admit or emit air or moisture.

– phrases
breathe (freely) again relax after being frightened or tense.
breathe down someone's neck follow closely behind.

■ constantly check up on someone.

breathe one's last die.
breathe (new) life into reinvigorate.
not breathe a word remain silent about something secret.

– origin ME (in the sense ‘exhale, steam’): from breath.