ademhalen

Ademhalen is a Dutch verb meaning to take a breath or to breathe in air. It can be used literally to describe inhalation or to indicate catching one’s breath after exertion, and it is also used figuratively to denote pausing or relief. Common expressions include diep ademhalen (to take a deep breath) and even ademhalen in the sense of taking a moment to breathe. The related noun is ademhaling (breathing). Related verbs include inademen (to inhale) and uitademen (to exhale).

In medical and health contexts, ademhalen refers to the act of breathing as part of respiration. The respiratory system, comprising the lungs, airways, and supporting muscles, enables breathing. Clinically, breath rate and rhythm are observed, and abnormal ademhalings can signal health issues. In everyday life, the term appears in guidance on physical training and stress management, emphasizing controlled breathing techniques.

Etymology: The word is formed from adem (breath) and halen (to pull or fetch). It is a common Dutch compound verb, used both literally and figuratively to denote taking a moment to breathe.

See also: ademhaling, inademen, uitademen, ademhalingssysteem.