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vent

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give vent to something

Fig. to express anger. (The something is usually anger, ire, irritation, etc.) John gave vent to his anger by yelling at Sally. Bill couldn't give vent to his frustration because he had been warned to keep quiet.

See also: give, vent

vent one's spleen

Fig. to get rid of one's feelings of anger caused by someone or something by attacking someone or something else. Jack vented his spleen at his wife whenever things went badly at work. Peter vented his spleen on his car by kicking it when it broke down.

See also: spleen, vent

vent something (up)on someone or something

to release one's emotional tension on someone or something. (Upon is formal and less commonly used than on.) Henry vented his anger on Carl. It's no use to vent your hatred on a door. Kicking it won't help.

See also: on, vent

vent your spleen

to express your anger Now you can vent your spleen about driving conditions on area freeways – you can e-mail the director of the Department of Transportation.

Etymology: from the idea in the past that the spleen (an organ in the body) was the place where evil intentions began

See also: spleen, vent

vent your spleen

to express anger (often + on ) Politicians used the press conference as an opportunity to vent their spleen on reporters.

See also: spleen, vent

give vent to

Express an emotion, as in He didn't dare give vent to his annoyance in front of her parents. [Late 1500s]

See also: give, vent

vent one's spleen

Express one's anger, as in Some people see town council meetings as a place where they can vent their spleen. This expression uses vent in the sense of "air," and spleen in the sense of "anger," alluding to the fact that this organ was once thought to be the seat of ill humor and melancholy. [First half of 1600s]

See also: spleen, vent

vent on

v.

To release some strong emotion by taking action against someone or something: The frustrated travelers vented their anger on the employees of the airline.

See also: on, vent

vent one’s spleen

tv. to release one’s anger. I just feel like I have to vent my spleen at somebody.

See also: spleen, vent