Spew: meaning, definitions and examples

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spew

[spjuː ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

vomit

To expel large quantities of something rapidly and forcibly. Spew can refer to liquids, gases, or even emotions.

Synonyms

disgorge, erupt, regurgitate, vomit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
spew	Use this word when referring to something being ejected forcefully and continuously, often in large quantities. It can apply to both liquids and substances or even metaphorically. The volcano began to spew lava and ash. The broken pipe spewed water all over the basement. He couldn't stop the endless spew of words coming from his mouth.
vomit	This word is primarily used in medical or casual contexts to describe the action of forcefully expelling the contents of the stomach through the mouth. It has a negative and more graphic connotation. After eating the spoiled food, he began to vomit violently. The sight of blood made her feel like she was going to vomit.
regurgitate	This word is used to describe the act of bringing swallowed food back up to the mouth. It is also used metaphorically to describe mindlessly repeating information without understanding. Birds often regurgitate food to feed their young. The student simply regurgitated facts without any critical analysis.
disgorge	This word is used to describe the act of forcefully expelling something, often from the mouth or a particular place. It's often used in more formal contexts and can be metaphorical. The snake began to disgorge the half-swallowed mouse. The factory’s chimneys disgorged thick black smoke into the air. The crowd disgorged into the street after the concert.
erupt	This word is mainly associated with sudden and violent release of something, particularly in relation to natural phenomena like volcanoes, or emotions. Mount Vesuvius erupted with a force that shook the surrounding area. Tension finally erupted into a heated argument. The crowd erupted in cheers when the team scored the winning goal.

Examples of usage

He spewed out his drink all over the floor.
The volcano spewed ash and lava into the sky.
She spewed insults at him in a fit of rage.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

speak

To utter something in a fast and often incoherent manner.

Synonyms

babble, gabble, prattle, rant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
spew	This word is often used to describe someone talking in a harsh, angry, or overly emotional manner. It has a negative connotation and implies that the person is saying things without much thought. She began to spew insults at him during their argument. The politician was spewing hatred during the rally.
babble	Babble is often used to describe someone talking in a way that is difficult to understand, either due to excitement, nervousness, or because they are saying things that don't make much sense. The baby started to babble when he saw his mother. He babbled on and on about his vacation plans.
prattle	Prattle describes someone talking in a light, trivial, or meaningless way, often about unimportant topics. It is sometimes used to describe someone talking a lot without saying much of substance. The children prattled on about their toys. He prattled about the weather during the entire meeting.
rant	Rant is typically used to describe someone talking loudly and passionately about something, often in a way that is seen as excessive or irrational. It usually carries a negative connotation. She went on a rant about the poor service at the restaurant. He ranted for hours about the unfairness of the new policy.
gabble	Gabble is used when describing someone talking quickly and not very clearly. It often suggests that the speech is rushed and perhaps not very intelligent. The students gabbled together as they waited for the teacher. She gabbled her way through the presentation, making it hard to follow.

Examples of usage

He spewed out a bunch of nonsense during the meeting.
The politician spewed lies during the debate.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Old English 'spiwan', which means 'to spit out'.
It shares a root with similar words in other languages, showing a common idea of ejecting or throwing out.
The word has evolved to describe anything that forcefully expels, from liquid to emotions.

Pop Culture

In many movies, when characters are overwhelmed with emotions, they might 'spew' words in a burst of honesty or anger.
Animated shows often exaggerate the concept of 'spewing' food or drink as a comedic response to surprise.
The term is frequently used in music lyrics to describe passionate or angry outbursts.

Science

In geology, 'spew' is often used to describe how volcanoes release lava or ash during an eruption.
Certain animals can ‘spew’ out stomach contents as a defense mechanism to scare off predators.
Spewing can also describe the release of gases and liquids in industrial processes, highlighting environmental concerns.

Psychology

People may ‘spew’ out their thoughts when feeling stressed or anxious, often leading to candid conversations.
This behavior can be a sign of emotional release but may also indicate a need for better coping strategies.
Understanding the concept of ‘spewing’ can help in recognizing when someone is overwhelmed or in need of support.

Literature

In various literary works, ‘spew’ is used metaphorically to describe how characters express their inner turmoil or secrets.
Poets may use the term to evoke imagery of overflowing feelings or thoughts that cannot be contained.
Classic novels might depict characters 'spewing' feelings during climactic moments, enhancing dramatic tension.

Translations

Translations of the word "spew" in other languages:

🇵🇹 vomitar

🇮🇳 उगलना

🇩🇪 spucken

🇮🇩 muntah

🇺🇦 блювати

🇵🇱 wymiotować

🇯🇵 吐く (はく)

🇫🇷 vomir

🇪🇸 vomitar

🇹🇷 kusmak

🇰🇷 토하다

🇸🇦 تقيأ

🇨🇿 zvracet

🇸🇰 vracať

🇨🇳 呕吐 (ǒutù)

🇸🇮 bruhati

🇮🇸 æla

🇰🇿 құсу

🇬🇪 გადმოიწვევა

🇦🇿 qusmaq

🇲🇽 vomitar

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,934 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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