éventer

Éventer is a French verb with several related meanings, primarily concerning the act of opening something up to the air or exposing something to view.

One common meaning of éventer is to open or unseal a container or package to allow air to enter or escape. This can be for purposes of cooling, drying, or simply airing out the contents. For example, one might éventer a pot of soup to cool it faster, or éventer a closet to air out musty smells.

Another significant meaning is to reveal or expose something that was previously hidden or concealed. This often implies a sudden or unexpected revelation. In a figurative sense, éventer can mean to expose a secret or a plot, bringing it to light. For instance, a journalist might éventer a scandal, or a character in a play might éventer the truth about another.

The verb can also be used in a more literal sense to describe the act of fanning oneself to create a breeze, particularly in hot weather. This is to cause air to move over oneself for a cooling effect.

Finally, éventer can refer to the act of exposing one's entrails or innards, typically in a violent context such as an injury or disembowelment. This is a more graphic and less common usage.