vent on

vent on (someone or something)

To subject someone or something else, especially an innocent party, to one's negative emotions or reaction. A noun or pronoun can be used between "vent" and "on" to specify the negative emotion. Sorry for venting on you like that, I've just been under a lot of pressure lately. Don't vent your frustration on the kids, Dave—they didn't do anything!See also: on, 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 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