Retch

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ɹɛtʃ/
• Rhymes: -É›tʃ
• Homophones: wretch

Alternative forms

• reach archaic or dialectal

Origin

From Middle English *recchen, *rechen, from Old English hrǣċan ("to clear the throat, hawk, spit"), from Proto-Germanic *hrēkijaną ("to clear one's throat"), from Proto-Indo-European *kreg- ("to caw, crow"). Cognate with Icelandic hrækja ("to hawk, spit").

Full definition of retch

Verb

1. To make an unsuccessful effort to vomit; to strain, as in vomiting.
• ByronHere he grew inarticulate with retching.

Noun

1. an unsuccessful effort to vomit

Anagrams

• chert