vent (redirected from vented)

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 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.

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.

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vent your spleen

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

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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