cry
cry Lexical Profile
cry Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To shed tears as an expression of distress, pain, sorrow, or overwhelming emotion.
"The toddler began to cry when he dropped his favorite toy."
To shout, scream, or say something loudly in excitement, fear, or urgency.
"Look out for the icy step, she cried from the top of the stairs."
To utter a characteristic loud vocal call (of a bird or other animal).
"Seagulls wheeled and cried above the fishing boats in the harbor."
To proclaim or announce publicly for sale in the streets (especially of a hawker or town crier).
"Merchants cried their fresh produce in the bustling morning market."
• noun
A loud, inarticulate shout or scream expressing a powerful emotion or physical pain.
"A sudden cry of alarm echoed down the quiet hallway."
A spell or period of shedding tears.
"She felt much more relieved after having a good cry in private."
The characteristic vocal call or sound made by a bird or other animal.
"We listened to the haunting cry of a loon across the misty lake."
An urgent public appeal, demand, or slogan.
"Their rallying cry united volunteers from every corner of the province."
• Rhymes for cry
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed from Old French 'crier' (to shout or proclaim), which derives from Vulgar Latin '*quiritare', originally meaning to wail or implore the aid of the 'Quirites' (Roman citizens).