Symbolic representation of vomiting in a dream, rejection and purification

Dream Meaning:Vomiting

Vomiting in a dream is an intense symbol for rejection, for what the body and soul can no longer tolerate. It connects the feeling of nausea with the urge to let go of something that no longer serves. Freud interpreted it as rejection of drive impulses, Jung as purification of repressed contents, spiritual traditions as spiritual detoxification.

High DemandBody

Based on global search queries (Google Trends, 2025)

Dream Interpretation by Freud

Freud interpreted vomiting as an expression of rejection of drive impulses that the ego cannot integrate (Freud, 1900). The nausea shows the refusal of the id to accept certain desires.

Vomiting itself represents the attempt to expel repressed contents that press into consciousness. Freud saw the conflict between what the person wants to be and what they actually are.

Show source

Freud, S. (1900). The Interpretation of Dreams. Franz Deuticke, Vienna.

Dream Interpretation by Jung

Jung understood vomiting as a symbol of purification, as the process of expelling repressed contents from the unconscious (Jung, 1964). It is the psyche's attempt to free itself from the old.

Whoever vomits in a dream is often confronted with a situation they cannot cope with. Jung saw the invitation to purify the unconscious and make room for the new.

Show source

Jung, C. G. (1964). Man and His Symbols. Doubleday, New York.

Spiritual Interpretation

In spiritual traditions, vomiting is considered spiritual detoxification, the process of eliminating negative energies from the body. It is a sign of purification.

Dreams with vomiting are read as an invitation to free oneself from thoughts and habits that no longer serve.

Show source

Bulkeley, K. (2016). Big Dreams. Oxford University Press. Fromm, E. (1951). The Forgotten Language. Rinehart & Company, New York.

Cognitive Continuity

According to Domhoff, vomiting in dreams reflects rejection and overwhelm in waking life (Domhoff, 2003). It occurs when the dreamer feels confronted with something they cannot tolerate.

Show source

Domhoff, G.W. (2003). The Scientific Study of Dreams. APA. Domhoff, G.W. (2018). The Emergence of Dreaming. Oxford University Press.

Neurobiology & Emotion

According to Walker, REM sleep activates emotional memories and physical sensations (Walker, 2017). Vomiting in dreams arises when the brain links emotional rejection with physical sensations.

Show source

Walker, M. (2017). Why We Sleep. Scribner. Walker, M.P. & van der Helm, E. (2009). Overnight therapy? The role of sleep in emotional brain processing. Psychological Bulletin, 135(5), 731-748.