verb
spew
SPYOO/spjuː/
To release something forcefully in large amounts.
The crater spews lava, ash, and rock fragments into the air.
Etymology
Originally associated with spitting and vomiting, spew broadened to ejecting anything as if by vomiting. That bodily image underlies its use for forcefully pouring or throwing material out.
In context
don't let people just spew all kinds of carcinogens into the air
More examples
- The volcano spewed ash over nearby towns.
- Water is spewing from the broken pipe.
- He spews insults whenever anyone challenges him.
Forms
spew · spews · spewed · spewing
Similar words
- eject
- Emphasizes forcing something out, not necessarily in large amounts.
- gush
- Emphasizes a rapid, abundant flow, especially of liquid.