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

Earlier, while cleaning one resident's room, I found myself retching because of the smell, unable to stay for longer than 20 seconds.

Read more on BBC

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

Read more on Salon

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

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“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.

Read more on 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.

Read more on Science Magazine

Related Words

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