Cry

Definition

Cry is a verb and noun that generally refers to shedding tears in response to emotion, typically sadness or distress. It can also mean calling out loudly or making a vocal sound in various emotional expressions, such as joy, anger, or frustration.

Parts of Speech

• Verb
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /kraɪ/
• Respelling: KRY

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /kraɪ/
• Respelling: KRY

Etymology

The word "cry" originates from the Old French "crier," meaning "to shout or proclaim," derived from the Latin "quiritare," meaning "to raise a public outcry." In English, it evolved to refer both to shedding tears and to calling out.

Derivatives

• Cried (verb)
• Crying (verb/adjective)
• Crybaby (noun)
• Cryingly (adverb)
• Cryogenic (adjective, though related to the cryo- prefix, it shares the root form)

Synonyms

• Weep
• Sob
• Shout

Antonyms

• Laugh
• Rejoice
• Smile

Usage

The term "cry" is often used to describe the act of shedding tears in response to emotions, as in "He began to cry during the movie." It is also used to describe calling out loudly, such as "The child cried for help."

Related Terms

• Tear: A drop of clear liquid produced by the lacrimal glands, typically associated with crying.
• Outcry: A loud shout or protest.
• Expression: The process of making one's thoughts or feelings known, often vocally.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To shed tears in response to strong emotion: Refers to the act of releasing tears due to emotional stimuli, such as sadness or joy.
  • Example: "She began to cry during the sad part of the film."
• To call out loudly in expression of emotion: Describes a loud vocalization often prompted by surprise, alarm, or frustration.
  • Example: "He cried out in pain when he injured his foot."

Noun

• An act of shedding tears: Refers to the physical and emotional expression of weeping.
  • Example: "Her cry could be heard from across the room."
• A loud vocal call or shout: Indicates a sound made to express emotion, call attention, or signal distress.
  • Example: "They heard the cry for help from a distance."