Breathing with effort is a term used to describe the act of taking in air with difficulty. The crossword solutions for this term are HEAVE (5 letters), PANT (4 letters), WHEEZE (6 letters) and GASP (4 letters). Heaving is a deep, labored breathing that is often associated with physical exertion. Panting is a rapid, shallow breathing that is usually associated with fear or excitement. Wheezing is a whistling sound that is made when breathing due to a narrowing of the airways. Gasping is a sudden, deep inhalation of breath that is often accompanied by shock or surprise.