Definition
To retch is to make an involuntary effort to vomit without actually bringing anything up. It's the dry heaving stage before vomiting, often accompanied by nausea and discomfort. Think of it as your body's attempt to expel something it doesn't like, even if there's nothing to expel. It's an unpleasant sensation, often triggered by illness, strong odors, or emotional distress. It's a physical reflex, signaling distress in the digestive system. While similar to gagging, retching involves more forceful abdominal contractions.