hiccuped
Had breath spasms
Hiccuped is the past tense of hiccup, a spasmodic inhalation that produces a sharp sound when the glottis snaps shut.
The spelling hiccupped, with doubled p, is also standard.
Figuratively, something that hiccuped experienced a brief interruption or minor setback: The economy hiccuped but quickly recovered.
Muscle separating chest, abdomen
- spasmInvoluntary muscle contraction
- contractionReduction in size
- reflexInvoluntary stimulus response
- glottisVocal cord opening
gulp · gasp · burp · involuntary · muscle · jolt · twitch · jerking
Break in continuity
- stutterInvoluntary speech repetition
- pauseTemporary cessation of activity
- falterLose momentum or steadiness
- stumbleLose footing momentarily
snag · setback · glitch · hitch · stall · hesitation · break · lapse
diaphragm
Muscle separating chest, abdomen
- spasmInvoluntary muscle contraction
- contractionReduction in size
- reflexInvoluntary stimulus response
glottis · gulp · gasp · burp · involuntary · muscle · jolt · twitch · jerking · autonomic
interruption
Break in continuity
- stutterInvoluntary speech repetition
- pauseTemporary cessation of activity
- falterLose momentum or steadiness
stumble · snag · setback · glitch · hitch · stall · hesitation · break · lapse · catch
water
Clear essential liquid
- breath-holdingDeliberate respiratory cessation
- startleFrighten suddenly
- cureTreatment that heals
scare · sugar · paper bag · swallow · drink · cold · shock · wait · persistent · intractable
awkward
Lacking grace or ease
- blushFacial reddening from emotion
- flusteredNervously upset and confused
- self-consciousUncomfortably aware of oneself
sheepish · red-faced · mortified · apologetic · excuse me · pardon · giggle · stifle · suppress · public