Meaning & Definition of word "Reek"
to
Reek
/riːk/
noun:
- 1. a strong, unpleasant smell.
- Example: There was a reek of smoke in the air after the fire was extinguished.
verb:
- 1. to emit a strong, unpleasant smell.
- Example: The garbage began to reek after sitting out in the sun for too long.
- 2. to be strongly reminiscent or suggestive of something.
- Example: His actions reeked of desperation as he pleaded for help.
Etymology
Middle English, from Old Norse 'reykja' meaning 'to smoke, to fume'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
reek of:
to possess or be full of a strong or offensive quality, often used to imply something negative.
Related Words
stench:
a strong, foul smell
odor:
a distinctive smell, especially an unpleasant one
fume:
to emit smoke or vapor
smoke:
the visible vapor and gases given off by a burning substance
Slang Meanings of reek
Meaning: to have a very strong and unpleasant odor, particularly in a gross or exaggerated sense
Example Sentence: That gym bag reeked after a week in the corner of the room.
Meaning: to be overwhelmingly associated with something negative
Example Sentence: His excuses reek of dishonesty.