1 [with object and adverbial of direction] lift or haul (something heavy) with great effort:she heaved the sofa back into placehe heaved himself out of bed
informal throw (something heavy):she heaved half a brick at him
2 [with object] produce (a sigh):he heaved a euphoric sigh of relief
3 [no object] rise and fall rhythmically or spasmodically:his shoulders heaved as he panted
make an effort to vomit; retch:my stomach heaved
4 [with object] Nautical pull, raise, or move (a boat or ship) by hauling on a rope or ropes:Martin thought he might be able to heave the lifeboat in closer
heave in sight (or into view)
Nautical come into view:they held out until a British fleet hove in sight
heave to
(of a boat or ship) come to a stop, especially by turning across the wind leaving the headsail backed:he hove to and dropped anchor