reek definition - Dictionary

Dictionary

reek [ reek ]

verb (past and past participle reeked, present participle reek·ing, 3rd person present singular reeks)

Definition:

1. transitive and intransitive verb smell strongly: to have a very strong and unpleasant smell, or give off such a smell

The room reeked of smoke.

2. transitive and intransitive verb give clear evidence of something unpleasant: to show very strong evidence of an unpleasant quality

The document reeks of the double standard.

3. intransitive verb give off smoke: to give off smoke, steam, or fumes

a reeking pile of burning tires

4. transitive verb U.S. treat something with smoke: to process or treat something with smoke

noun

Definition:

1. unpleasant smell: a very strong unpleasant smell

a reek of disinfectant

2. regional visible vapor: smoke, steam, or other visible vapor

[ Old English rēocan< Indo-European]

Spelling Note


	reek or wreak? Do not confuse the spelling of reek and wreak, which sound similar. Reek is a noun or verb referring to a strong unpleasant smell (as in the reek of rotting vegetables; the place reeked of disinfectant) or to smoke or fumes given off (as in reeking heaps of burning refuse). As a verb it can also mean "be evidence of something unpleasant," as in the whole affair reeked of incompetence. Wreak is a verb only meaning "cause havoc or destruction" or "inflict revenge or punishment."

Word Key: Synonyms