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

There’s no real reason why one person might crave bacon-flavored ice cream with pickles while the thought of that might make another retch.

From Nautilus

The tickling went on for some time until Bumper, in spite of himself, began to gag and retch.

From Project Gutenberg

Kin I skiver er humans clean clar ercross de dissart, und retch back ter de eend o' de yeth, wid dese wun-eyed specks?

From Project Gutenberg

Acid smoke wreathed up from the valley making Shann retch and cough.

From Project Gutenberg

But at the thought of more eggs, Shann's stomach knotted in pain and he began to retch.

From Project Gutenberg

The devil drank and ate to his hearts content; in fact he took so much that he was very uncomfortable, and began to retch.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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