retch

[ rech ]

verb (used without object)

1. to make efforts to vomit.

verb (used with object)

1. to vomit.

noun

1. the act or an instance of retching.

retch

/ riːtʃ; rɛtʃ /

verb

1. intr to undergo an involuntary spasm of ineffectual vomiting; heave
2. to vomit

noun

1. an involuntary spasm of ineffectual vomiting

Word History and Origins

Origin of retch¹

1540–50; variant of reach, Old English hrǣc an to clear the throat (not recorded in ME), derivative of hrāca a clearing of the throat; compare Old Norse hrǣkja to hawk, spit

Word History and Origins

Origin of retch¹

Old English hrǣcan ; related to Old Norse hrǣkja to spit

Example Sentences

When she wasn’t retching, she lay her head in her boyfriend’s lap.

From Salon

One man was seen retching, while others phoned loved ones and walked away.

From BBC

“Pepper” follows the overlapping pursuits of a handful of pepper enthusiasts, whose interests lie in the hottest of the hots, peppers that induce sweating, crying and retching within minutes.

From New York Times

Sixty Nigerian dwarf goats are taking turns crashing their horns against wooden stalls while unleashing a cacophony of bleats, groans, and retching wails that make it nearly impossible to hold a conversation.

From Science Magazine

Instead she found two of her co-workers vomiting, with one retching into her bowl.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• breathe
• exhale
• groan
• huff
• puff
• spew
• vomit