DictionaryAI

retch

USRECH/ɹɛt͡ʃ/

Verbretches, retching, retched

Noun pluralretches

5 meanings of retch

Practice

  1. 1
    verbtransitive or intransitive
    To strain and gag as if going to throw up, but without anything coming out.

    Like a sneeze that builds up but never quite happens.

    The terrible smell made him retch over the trash can.

    She retched a few dry heaves, but nothing came up.

    Similargag, heave

    Note
  2. 2
    verbtransitive or intransitive
    To throw up food or liquid from your stomach through your mouth.

    The sick child retched his whole breakfast onto the floor.

    He felt so ill on the bus that he had to retch.

    Similarvomit

    Note
  3. 3
    nouncountable
    A failed try to throw up, when your body strains but nothing comes out.

    Like a cough that grips your stomach instead of your throat.

    She gave a violent retch but managed not to be sick.

    Each retch left him gasping and clutching the edge of the sink.

    Similarheave

  4. 4
    verbdialectal
    Another way of saying reach. It is dialect only, since retch usually means to almost throw up.
    Note

Less common meaning

  1. 5
    verbobsoletetransitive or intransitive
    To care about something or pay attention to it.
    Note

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Origins

Meanings 1–3

From Old English hrǣċan, meaning to clear the throat, hawk, or spit.

Meaning 5

From Old English rēċċan, meaning to care or heed.

Meaning 4

From Old English reċċan, meaning to stretch or extend.