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Definition of retch

retch

/ɹɛtʃ/
retch
Plural:retches
•
Past Simple:retched
•
Past Participle:retched
•
Present Participle:retching
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retch Lexical Profile

retch Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To make the sound and physical movement of vomiting, especially involuntarily and without bringing anything up.

Example

"The rough waves of the storm made several passengers retch over the side of the boat."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for retch

• noun

1

An involuntary spasm of ineffectual vomiting; a gagging movement or sound.

Example

"The foul odor coming from the spoiled food caused him to give a sudden retch."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for retch

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'retch' (to gag or make an effort to vomit) with its homophone 'wretch' (a miserable, unfortunate, or despicable person).

• Rhymes for retch

• Nearby Words

retarget
retargeting
retax
retch
reteach
reteam
retell

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English hræcan ('to clear the throat, hawk, or spit up phlegm'), of Germanic origin and ultimately imitative of the sound of gagging or clearing the throat.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Retch. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/retch
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