To spew means to pour out or shoot forth suddenly and forcefully, usually in large amounts. When a volcano spews lava and ash, it explosively throws these materials into the air. A broken water pipe might spew water across a basement. A whale spews water from its blowhole in a dramatic spray.

The word often describes something unpleasant or messy coming out quickly and without control. A sick person might spew their lunch (another way of saying vomit). A damaged factory smokestack could spew pollution into the air.

People also use spew when someone talks angrily or thoughtlessly without stopping. If your friend spews complaints about everything all afternoon, they're pouring out negative words in an overwhelming way. When someone spews lies or gossip, they're spreading harmful information rapidly and carelessly.

The word carries a sense of something erupting outward with force and volume, whether it's a physical substance like lava or words and ideas tumbling out too quickly. Whatever is spewing usually makes a mess.