Meaning & Definition of word "Reek"

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.