cry

Formscries, crying, cried

Pluralcries

1. 1
   weepverbintransitive

   To have tears come from your eyes, often because of strong feelings or pain.

   The little boy began to cry when he dropped his ice cream.

   She cried for an hour after hearing the bad news.

   UsageCry usually means tears. For a loud voice, say shout.

   Similarweep, sob

   Oppositelaugh

2. 2
   shout outverbtransitive

   To shout or call out something in a loud voice.

   The sailors cry 'Land!' when they see the shore.

   'Watch out!' she cried as the ball flew toward the window.

   UsageMostly in stories: 'Help!' she cried. In talk, say shout.

   Similarshout, call, yell, exclaim, scream

   Oppositewhisper, murmur

   Note
3. 3
   nouncountable

   A loud shout or scream, or the words someone shouts.

   She let out a cry when the spider ran across her desk.

   We heard a loud cry from the playground.

   UsageSay let out a cry or a cry of pain.

   Similarscream, shout, yell, shriek, howl

4. 4
   urgent appealnouncountable

   A strong call for help or for something you badly need.

   Like waving your arms in a crowd when you really need someone to notice you.

   Her text message was a cry for help.

   The workers' march was a cry for fair pay.

   UsageUsually a cry for help.

   Similarplea, appeal, call

5. 5
   bout of tearsnouncountable

   A time when someone lets tears fall, often because of strong feelings.

   Sometimes a good cry helps you feel better.

   After the sad movie, she had a quick cry in the car.

   UsageSay have a good cry.

   Similarweep, sob

   Oppositelaugh

6. 6
   verbcolloquialintransitive

   To complain about something in a whiny way, as if you feel sorry for yourself.

   My boss cries about the budget at every single meeting.

   Don't cry about the price when you picked the most expensive phone in the store.

   UsageSay cry about something. It is not kind: Stop crying about it.

   Similarcomplain, whine, moan, grumble, gripe

   Note
7. 7
   crowd's roarnouncountable

   A loud noise of shouting, often from many people at once.

   A great cry went up from the fans when the team scored.

   The angry cry of the crowd filled the square outside the city hall.

   UsageOften a cry went up from the crowd, or a cry of protest.

   Similaroutcry, clamor, uproar, protest

   Note
8. 8
   animal's callnouncountable

   The special sound that one kind of animal usually makes.

   The cry of an owl can sound spooky at night.

   You can tell a crow by its rough cry.

   Similarcall

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