Langimage
English

retching

|retch-ing|

B2

/rɛtʃɪŋ/

(retch)

gag reflex

Base FormPresent3rd Person Sing.PastPast ParticiplePresent Participle
retchretchingretchesretchedretchedretching
Etymology
Etymology Information

'retch' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'hræcan', where 'hræc-' meant 'to clear the throat'.

Historical Evolution

'hræcan' transformed into the Middle English word 'rechen', and eventually became the modern English word 'retch'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to clear the throat', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'making the sound and movement of vomiting'.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Verb 1

making the sound and movement of vomiting.

The smell of the garbage made him start retching.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45