retch
[ rech ]
/ rɛtʃ /
verb (used without object)
to make efforts to vomit.
verb (used with object)
to vomit.
noun
the act or an instance of retching.
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Origin of retch
1540–50; variant of reach,Old English hrǣcan to clear the throat (not recorded in ME), derivative of hrāca a clearing of the throat; compare Old Norse hrǣkja to hawk, spit
WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH retch
retch , wretchDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
Example sentences from the Web for retch
British Dictionary definitions for retch
retch
/ (rɛtʃ, riːtʃ) /
verb
(intr) to undergo an involuntary spasm of ineffectual vomiting; heave
to vomit
noun
an involuntary spasm of ineffectual vomiting
Word Origin for retch
Old English hrǣcan; related to Old Norse hrǣkja to spit
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Medical definitions for retch
retch
[ rĕch ]
v.
To try to vomit.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.