complain

verb

kuhm-PLAYN/kəmˈpleɪn/

Formscomplains, complaining, complained

3 meanings of complain

1
verbintransitive
To say that you are unhappy, hurt, or annoyed about something.
Like letting out a long sigh to show you don't like something.
The kids complain every time we ask them to clean their room.
She complained loudly about the cold soup at dinner.
Similargrumble, protest, object, moan, whine
Note
2
verbintransitive
To officially report someone or something to a person in charge.
Like telling a teacher when someone breaks the rules.
Residents can complain to the city council about the noise.
She complained to the police about her stolen bike.
Similarprotest
Note
3
verbintransitive
To make a creaking or squeaking sound, like old wood or a wheel.
Like an old door that squeaks when you push it open.
The old floorboards complain whenever someone walks across them.
The wooden cart complained as it rolled over the rocky path.
Similarcreak, groan, squeak, protest
Note

Practice

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Origin

It comes from an old Latin word meaning to beat your chest in deep grief, made from com- ('together') and plangere ('to strike, beat').