<p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>an opening, as in a wall, serving as an outlet for air, smoke, fumes, or the like</li><li>an opening at the earth's surface from which volcanic material, as lava, steam, or gas, is emitted</li><li>the anal or excretory opening of animals, especially of those below mammals, as birds and reptiles (Zoology)</li><li>the small opening at the breech of a gun by which fire is communicated to the charge</li><li>a means of exit or escape; an outlet, as from confinement</li><li>expression; utterance; release: to give vent to one's emotions</li><li>obsolete: the act or fact of venting; emission or discharge</li></ul><p><strong>Verb (used with object)</strong></p><ul><li>to give free play or expression to (an emotion, passion, etc.): to vent rage</li><li>to give public utterance to: to vent one's opinions</li><li>to relieve by giving expression to something: He vented his disappointment by criticizing his successor</li><li>to release or discharge (liquid, smoke, etc.)</li><li>to furnish or provide with a vent or vents</li></ul><p><strong>Verb (used without object)</strong></p><ul><li>to be relieved of pressure or discharged by means of a vent</li><li>(of an otter or other animal) to rise to the surface of the water to breathe</li></ul>