spew - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
spew Word Meanings
- to spit out forcefully
- to emit or expel in large amounts
- to gush out
spew Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
spew Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/spjuː/
US
/spjuː/
spew Word Etymology
The root 'spew' has no prefix but is derived from the Old English 'spēowan,' meaning 'to spit.' The historical origin goes from Old English to Middle English and then into Modern English. Imagine a volcano erupting and spewing lava everywhere, a vivid image of forceful expulsion.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Spew is a vivid verb meaning to eject or discharge something forcefully, either literally (lava, steam, water, debris) or figuratively (insults, rumors, trash, emotion). It often conveys a sudden, uncontrolled outflow and is commonly followed by out (spew out lava) or used with objects that are expelled in bulk. The sense can be physical, as a geyser spewing steam, or metaphorical, as a crowd spewing venom or a machine spewing smoke. Because the imagery is strong, speakers choose spew to emphasize intensity, abruptness, or an overflow that cannot be easily contained. Learners should recognize its polarity as more aggressive than spill or pour, and note it is not always interchangeable with vomit in non-medical contexts.
Usage Reminders
- Use spew for forceful, often sudden discharge; not for calm pouring; often with out; avoid medical contexts; can pair with venom or steam; remember figurative sense overlaps with insults
Common Misconceptions
- Spew only means vomiting in medical contexts
- Spew always involves liquids
- Spew is the same as spit
- Spew cannot describe non-human phenomena
- Spew does not imply intensity or violence
Thinking Differences
Explain to an English speaker (meta, keep short)
Learning Tips
- Notice the strong imagery; pair spew with out to show direction
- Compare with spill and pour to feel intensity differences
- Watch for contexts with insults or venom
- Be cautious about medical contexts where vomit is used
- Practice both literal and figurative uses in notes
- Use natural collocations like spew out smoke or spew venom
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'spew'?
A.Throw up
B.Smile
C.Sleep
D.Dance
Step 2: Usage
Which of the following sentences uses 'spew' correctly?
A.He spewed kind words to his friend.
B.She laughed at the spewing sunset.
C.The cat spewed the ball.
D.They sang a spewful song.
Step 3: Similar Words
What is a synonym for 'spew'?
A.Emit
B.Swallow
C.Consume
D.Digest
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is an antonym for 'spew'?
A.Vomit
B.Inhale
C.Churn
D.Regurgitate
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life context might you hear the word 'spew'?
A.Cooking a meal
B.Watching a comedy show
C.Talking about a volcano erupting
D.Cleaning a garbage dump
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