retch

American  

[rech] / rɛtʃ /

verb (used without object)

1. to make efforts to vomit.

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verb (used with object)

1. to vomit.

noun

1. the act or an instance of retching.

retch British  

/ riːtʃ, rɛtʃ /

verb

1. (intr) to undergo an involuntary spasm of ineffectual vomiting; heave

2. to vomit

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noun

1. an involuntary spasm of ineffectual vomiting

Etymology

Origin of retch

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

Example Sentences

The heat lingered around 100 degrees, and while Young danced and sang, she began to visibly gag and retch before running off the stage and asking for a bucket.

From Los Angeles Times

That’s when I bend forward, hands on my knees, and retch into the dirt.

From Literature

He had to grit his teeth to keep from retching.

From Literature

Their smell made Christopher want to retch: it was like meat left in the sun for too long.

From Literature

“Oh God,” said Sue, and Akira turned away and retched into the road.

From Literature

Related Words

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