crying

cry-ing · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    (present participle of "cry") Shedding tears, typically as an expression of distress, pain, or sorrow.

  2. 2.

    (adjective) Very great; demanding urgent attention.

  3. 3.

    Making a loud, inarticulate sound expressing strong emotion.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    crying out loud — an exclamation of frustration (as in "for crying out loud!")
  • •
    crying wolf — giving false alarms
  • •
    crying over spilled milk — worrying about past mistakes that cannot be changed
  • •
    a shoulder to cry on — someone who offers comfort and sympathy

Related words

Antonyms: laughing, smiling
See also: cry, sobbing, tears, weeping
Synonyms: bawling, sobbing, wailing, weeping

Etymology

Present participle of cry, from Old French crier meaning "to cry out, call, proclaim," from Vulgar Latin critare, from Latin quiritare meaning "to wail, shriek," originally "to call for help from Roman citizens" (from Quirites, Roman citizens).