vent

¹

[ vent ]

noun

1. an opening, as in a wall, serving as an outlet for air, smoke, fumes, or the like.
2. an opening at the earth's surface from which volcanic material, as lava, steam, or gas, is emitted.
3. Zoology. the anal or excretory opening of animals, especially of those below mammals, as birds and reptiles.
4. the small opening at the breech of a gun by which fire is communicated to the charge.
5. a means of exit or escape; an outlet, as from confinement.
6. expression; utterance; release:

   to give vent to one's emotions.

7. Obsolete. the act or fact of venting; emission or discharge.

verb (used with object)

1. to give free play or expression to (an emotion, passion, etc.):

   to vent rage.

2. to give public utterance to:

   to vent one's opinions.

3. to relieve by giving expression to something:

   He vented his disappointment by criticizing his successor.

4. to release or discharge (liquid, smoke, etc.).
5. to furnish or provide with a vent or vents.

verb (used without object)

1. to be relieved of pressure or discharged by means of a vent.
2. (of an otter or other animal) to rise to the surface of the water to breathe.

vent

²

[ vent ]

noun

1. a slit in the back or side of a coat, jacket, or other garment, at the bottom part of a seam.

vent

¹

/ vɛnt /

noun

1. a vertical slit at the back or both sides of a jacket

verb

1. tr to make a vent or vents in (a jacket)

vent

²

/ vɛnt /

noun

1. a small opening for the passage or escape of fumes, liquids, etc
2. the shaft of a volcano or an aperture in the earth's crust through which lava and gases erupt
3. the external opening of the urinary or genital systems of lower vertebrates
4. a small aperture at the breech of old guns through which the charge was ignited
5. an exit, escape, or passage
6. give vent to
   to release (an emotion, passion, idea, etc) in an utterance or outburst

verb

1. to release or give expression or utterance to (an emotion, idea, etc)

   he vents his anger on his wife

2. to provide a vent for or make vents in
3. to let out (steam, liquid, etc) through a vent

Derived Forms

• ˈventer, noun
• ˈventless, adjective

Other Words From

• ventless adjective
• un·vented adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of vent¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English verb venten “to furnish (a vessel) with a vent,” by shortening of Old French esventer (equivalent to es- + -venter, verbal derivative of vent, from Latin ventus “wind”), in later use derivative of the English noun; the noun derives partly from French vent, partly by shortening of French évent ( Old French esvent, derivative of esventer ), and partly derivative of the English verb; ex- ¹, wind ¹

Origin of vent²

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English vent(e); replacing Middle English fente, from Old French or Middle French, derivative of fendre “to slit,” from Latin findere “to split”

Word History and Origins

Origin of vent¹

C15: from Old French fente slit, from fendre to split, from Latin findere to cleave

Origin of vent²

C14: from Old French esventer to blow out, from ex- ¹+ venter, from Vulgar Latin ventāre (unattested) to be windy, from Latin ventus wind

Idioms and Phrases

In addition to the idiom beginning with vent , also see give vent to .

Example Sentences

Protests were set to continue on Sunday for a fourth night running, as Georgians vented their anger at the ruling party's decision to suspend talks on joining the European Union.

From BBC

This configuration, however, only works for buildings that have the exhaust air vent located near the incoming ventilation.

From Science Daily

At a recent book club meeting, her fellow group members were willing to let her vent about politics for five minutes, but they weren’t interested in discussing ways they could counteract the incoming president.

From Los Angeles Times

People who can afford to temporarily leave the city do that, those who can buy air purifiers do that, and those who can vent on social media do that.

From BBC

Others may just need an opportunity to vent and be heard.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• emit
• pour out
• unleash
• utter
• ventilate