retch

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to make involuntary movements and sounds as if vomiting, often without bringing anything up

   The acrid fumes made him cough and retch over the sink.

2. 2
   noun

   an involuntary spasm or sound produced while trying to vomit

   A sudden retch interrupted his attempt to swallow the medicine.

From Middle English rechen, from Old English hraecan, 'to clear the throat, hawk, or spit,' ultimately from a Germanic imitative family associated with harsh throat sounds.

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