Emit, as a large sigh

HEAVE

Think of the deep, weary sound someone might make when lifting something heavy or feeling overwhelmed—it’s more than just a breath.

The word "heave" fits because it can mean to let out a deep, heavy sigh—like when someone exhales loudly in relief or exhaustion. The clue plays on the idea of "emitting" something big, and "heave" captures that forceful, almost physical release. It’s a less common but precise way to describe a sigh, making it a clever crossword answer.