Heave: meaning, definitions and examples

Heave is used when making a great effort to lift or move something heavy, often accompanied by a forceful breath or grunt. It can also be used when discussing the act of vomiting

• He had to heave the heavy box onto the truck.
• She felt sick and had to heave over the side of the boat.

Lift is a general term used to describe raising something from a lower to a higher position. It can be used in various contexts from physical lifting to emotional uplifting.

• Can you help me lift this table?
• Her kind words lifted his spirits.

Hoist is used to describe lifting something, often heavy, typically with the help of ropes, pulleys, or machinery. It can also be used figuratively.

• They used a crane to hoist the steel beams into place.
• We need to hoist the flag at dawn.

Haul is used to describe the act of pulling or dragging something heavy with effort. It can also refer to transporting something over a long distance.

• They had to haul the fishing nets back to shore.
• The truck hauled the goods across the country.

Throw is used when propelling something with force through the air by a movement of the arm and hand. It can be used both literally and figuratively.

• He can throw a baseball very fast.
• Don't throw away your chance for success.

Toss implies throwing something lightly or carelessly, or giving it a quick, short throw. It often conveys less force than 'throw'.

• She tossed the keys to him from across the room.
• He tossed the ball gently up and down.

Generally associated with the physical action of the body preparing to vomit, but not always producing vomit. It can be used in both informal and formal settings.

• She began to heave, but nothing came out
• The thought was so disgusting that he started to heave

Formal term for throwing up. Suitable for both medical and everyday contexts.

• The patient began to vomit after the treatment
• She vomited due to food poisoning

Describes the action of trying to vomit without actually doing so. Can be used in formal and informal contexts.

• The smell made her retch uncontrollably
• He retched and gasped for air

Informal and can be considered vulgar or impolite in some contexts. Used in casual conversation, often among friends or in a relaxed setting.

• The taste was so bad, I wanted to puke
• He puked after drinking too much

Informal and somewhat crude. Often used among friends or in casual conversations, typically by younger people.

• I feel like I'm gonna barf after that ride
• He barfed all over the car

Used when talking about lifting or pulling something heavy with great effort. Often suggests a strong, forceful motion.

• The workers had to heave the heavy bags onto the truck.
• She heaved the large rock out of the way.

General term for drawing or tugging something toward oneself or along behind. Less intense than 'heave' or 'haul'.

• Please pull the door to open it.
• He pulled the cart through the garden.

Used when referring to pulling or dragging something, especially over a long distance or with significant effort.

• They had to haul all their equipment up the mountain.
• He hauled the boat out of the water.