WordGarden.iodisgorge
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /dɪsɡˈɔːdʒ/
US
- /dɪsˈɡɔrdʒ/
Meanings
Verb
to vomit or bring up swallowed contents
to pour, discharge, or empty out contents
to surrender money or profits, especially under legal order
Beyond the definition
Imagine a volcano—when it disgorges lava, it throws it out violently. That's the core idea behind this word. While often associated with vomiting (a whale might disgorge plastic it swallowed), disgorge isn't limited to bodily functions. It means to throw or pour something out suddenly and forcefully. A river swollen by rain might disgorge debris onto a beach, or a crowded concert hall can disgorge its attendees at the end of the show. Think of it as an explosive release!
The word disgorge carries a powerful image of forceful ejection. At its most literal (and perhaps unpleasant) meaning, it refers to vomiting—think of a sick animal disgorging its stomach contents. However, disgorge extends far beyond just illness. It describes any situation where something is thrown or spilled out with great force and abundance.
Historically, the word comes from Old French, literally meaning "to discharge from the throat"—a fitting origin given its association with vomiting. But it's frequently used metaphorically. A river might disgorge floodwaters after heavy rains, or a factory could disgorge a stream of finished products. In literature and history, you'll find disgorge used to describe armies pouring out of fortifications ("The castle disgorged its defenders") or even secrets being revealed ("He finally disgorged the truth after hours of questioning").
In the world of law and finance, the term takes on a more technical but equally forceful meaning. To disgorge profits means to be legally compelled to give up money obtained through illegal or unethical means, effectively "spitting back" the ill-gotten gains. Whether it's lava from a volcano, water from a river, or money from a reluctant source, disgorge implies a sudden, often overwhelming release of what was once held inside.
Examples
- 1
Ferry passengers
Every morning, the ferry disgorges tourists onto the island's main dock.
- 2
Burst pipe
When the pipe burst, it disgorged muddy water all over the basement floor.
- 3
Regulatory penalty
After months of pressure from regulators, the bank agreed to disgorge its profits from the scheme.
- Phrasedisgorge profits
give back money gained unfairly or illegally
- 4
Forced disclosure
Under questioning, he eventually disgorged the names of everyone involved.
- Patterndisgorge + information
reveal it, often unwillingly
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- disgorge its contents
- disgorge passengers
- disgorge into the sea
Word family
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Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- disgorgeverb
Forms
- disgorgedpast tenseverb
- disgorging-ing formverb
- disgorgesverb